Types of Motion

1. Linear Motion (Rectilinear Motion)

When an object moves along a straight line, it is called linear motion.

• Examples:
  • A car moving on a straight road.
  • Soldiers marching in a parade.
  • A stone falling freely from a roof.
  • A sprinter running a 100m race on a straight track.

2. Circular Motion

When an object moves along a circular path, keeping a fixed distance from a central point.

• Examples:
  • A stone tied to a thread and whirled around.
  • Hands of a clock.
  • Blades of a fan.
  • A merry-go-round.

3. Oscillatory Motion

When an object moves to and fro (back and forth) about a fixed position (mean position), it is called oscillatory motion.

• Examples:
  • A swing moving back and forth.
  • The pendulum of a clock.
  • The string of a guitar when plucked.
  • A metal strip pressed and released.

4. Periodic Motion

If an object repeats its motion after a fixed interval of time, it is called periodic motion.

• Note: Both circular motion (like a fan) and oscillatory motion (like a pendulum) are often periodic.

Comparison Chart

Visualizing Motion Paths