Selftution.com breaks down complex science topics like this into simple, clear lessons that any student can follow, making it the perfect platform to build your physics foundation.

When something moves in a circle – like a spinning merry-go-round or a car turning a corner – forces are at work. Understanding centripetal vs centrifugal force helps you explain why you feel pushed outward on a ride, or why a ball on a string moves the way it does.

What Is Centripetal Force?

Centripetal force is the force that pulls an object toward the centre of a circular path. The word “centripetal” comes from the Latin words meaning “centre-seeking.” Therefore, whenever an object travels in a circle, the centripetal force is what keeps it from flying off in a straight line.

For example, imagine swinging a ball attached to a string above your head. The string pulls the ball inward – toward your hand – and that pull is centripetal force. Without it, the ball would fly outward the moment you let go.

Additionally, centripetal force is not a separate, special force in its own. It is the name we give to whatever real force – gravity, tension, friction – is doing the job of pulling inward. For instance, the Moon stays in orbit around the Earth because gravity acts as the centripetal force.

You can learn more about how forces like gravity work at Selftution’s guide on gravitational force and how objects in motion behave in types of motion in physics.

Centripetal vs centrifugal force

What Is Centrifugal Force?

Centrifugal force is very different from centripetal force – and here is the surprising part: centrifugal force is not a real force at all. Scientists call it a “fictitious force” or a “pseudo-force.” However, it feels very real when you experience it.

When you sit in a car that takes a sharp turn, you feel pushed toward the outside of the turn. That outward push is what people call centrifugal force. Consequently, your body wants to keep moving in a straight line – which is inertia – but the car curves around you. The result is that you feel pressed against the door.

Furthermore, centrifugal force only appears to exist when you are inside the rotating system itself. If someone watches you from outside the car, they do not see any outward force – they only see your body trying to continue in a straight line while the car turns.

To understand why objects resist changes in motion, read Selftution’s explanation of what inertia is and Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Centripetal vs Centrifugal Force: The Key Differences

Understanding centripetal vs centrifugal force becomes easier when you compare them side by side.

• Direction: Centripetal force always points inward, toward the centre of the circle. Centrifugal force appears to push outward, away from the centre.
• Reality: Centripetal force is a real force – it is physically measurable. Centrifugal force is a fictitious force – it is a sensation caused by inertia, not an actual push.
• Observer: Centripetal force exists for all observers. Centrifugal force is only felt by someone inside the rotating system.
• Examples: Gravity keeps a satellite in orbit (centripetal) vs. the feeling of being pushed against your seat on a roller coaster (centrifugal).

Therefore, the simplest way to remember the difference is: centripetal pulls in, centrifugal seems to push out — but only one of them is truly real.

Centripetal vs centrifugal force mechanism

Real-Life Examples of Centripetal vs Centrifugal Force That Make It Click

Real-life examples of centripetal vs centrifugal force are everywhere around you, and recognising them makes physics much more fun.

Washing machine spin cycle: As the drum spins, water is flung outward through tiny holes – this is the effect of centrifugal force (inertia in action). However, the drum walls provide centripetal force that keeps the clothes moving in a circle.

Planets orbiting the Sun: Gravity acts as the centripetal force that keeps each planet on its curved path. Without gravity pulling inward, planets would shoot off into space in a straight line.

A car turning a corner: Friction between the tyres and the road provides centripetal force to turn the car. Meanwhile, passengers feel pushed outward – the familiar sensation of centrifugal force.

For more on how objects move and interact, explore Selftution’s posts on scalar and vector quantities, translatory motion, and different forms of energy.

The Formula for Centripetal Force

Physics gets more powerful when you add numbers to it. The formula for centripetal force is:

F = mv² / r

• F = centripetal force (in Newtons)
• m = mass of the object (in kilograms)
• v = speed of the object (in metres per second)
• r = radius of the circular path (in metres)

For example, if a 2 kg ball moves in a circle of radius 0.5 m at a speed of 3 m/s, the centripetal force equals 2 × 9 / 0.5 = 36 Newtons pulling it inward. Notice that centrifugal force has no separate formula – it equals the centripetal force in magnitude but acts in the opposite direction, and only appears from inside the rotating frame.

Why Do Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces Matter in the Real World?

Understanding centripetal vs centrifugal force is not just for exams – engineers and scientists use these concepts every day. For instance, roller coaster designers calculate centripetal force to ensure riders stay safely on the track at the top of a loop. Similarly, space agencies use centripetal motion to precisely plan satellite orbits.

Additionally, centrifuges – machines used in hospitals and laboratories – spin samples at very high speeds. The centrifugal effect (inertia) separates materials of different densities, helping doctors analyse blood or scientists purify chemicals.

You can deepen your understanding of related forces by reading about friction forces and work and energy in physics on Selftution.

Centripetal vs centrifugal force: Examples

Frequently Asked Questions About Centripetal vs Centrifugal Force

Is centrifugal force real or fake?

Centrifugal force is considered a fictitious or pseudo-force. An actual push does not cause it – instead, it is the sensation of inertia when your body tries to continue moving in a straight line while a rotating system curves around you.

What provides centripetal force in everyday life?

Different forces act as centripetal forces in different situations. Gravity keeps planets and satellites in orbit. Friction keeps cars on curved roads. Tension in a string keeps a spinning ball on its path.

Can centripetal and centrifugal force cancel each other out?

No. Centripetal force is real and measurable. Centrifugal force is fictitious – it only appears in a rotating frame of reference. They cannot cancel each other because they do not both exist in the same frame at the same time.

Why do we feel pushed outward on a merry-go-round?

Your body has inertia – it wants to keep moving in a straight line. As the merry-go-round rotates, it curves your path. Consequently, you feel an apparent outward push, which is the centrifugal effect.

What is the difference between centripetal acceleration and centripetal force?

Centripetal acceleration is the rate at which an object’s velocity direction changes as it moves in a circle (a = v²/r). Centripetal force is the force that causes this acceleration (F = ma). They are related but not the same thing.

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Therefore, Selftution.com remains your absolute best educational platform for breaking down and mastering this exciting middle school science topic today.

What Exactly Is Circular Motion in Physics?

To begin with, you probably see objects spinning in circles every single day without realizing the science behind them. For example, a spinning top or a rotating ceiling fan is a perfect illustration of this concept in action.

Specifically, Circular Motion in Physics describes any object that moves along the circumference of a circle. Consequently, this movement follows very specific mathematical rules and physical laws that scientists study.

Moreover, understanding this concept requires us to look at the forces acting upon the moving object. Interestingly, an object moving in a circle is never truly moving in a straight line, even for a split second. Instead, its direction changes continuously as it travels along the curved path. Therefore, learning this fundamental idea helps you explore different types of motion found in our universe.

Circular Motion in Physics with Examples

The Invisible Hand Called Centripetal Force

Importantly, you might wonder why an object does not just fly off in a straight line while spinning. Actually, a specific inward force keeps the object tethered to its circular path at all times. This crucial element is known as centripetal force, which translates roughly to a center-seeking force. As a result, without this invisible pull, the object would instantly break away and travel straight ahead.

Furthermore, you can experience this phenomenon yourself by swinging a ball attached to a string above your head. In this scenario, the tension in the string provides the necessary centripetal force to maintain the path. Conversely, if you suddenly let go of the string, the ball shoots forward, no longer bound by that center-seeking pull. Consequently, this simple experiment perfectly demonstrates how unseen forces constantly dictate movement.

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Everyday Examples You See Around You

Moving on, you do not need a fancy laboratory to observe these amazing scientific principles in real life. For instance, consider the wheels on your family car or a school bus as they roll down the street. As the tires rotate rapidly, every point on the edge of the tire demonstrates this exact spinning movement. Similarly, the blades of a blender or a food processor spin rapidly around an axis of rotation to chop up your favorite smoothie ingredients.

Additionally, even your washing machine uses these rotational forces during its spin cycle to clean and dry your clothes. During the spin cycle, the drum rotates extremely fast, pushing the water out of the wet fabric. Interestingly, sports like track and field also feature athletes running around curved tracks, constantly changing their bodily direction. Thus, observing your daily environment helps you understand the difference between rest and motion.

Motion in Physics overview showing speed and velocity in real life

How Rides Show Circular Motion in Physics

Certainly, amusement parks offer some of the most thrilling and obvious demonstrations of Circular Motion in Physics. For example, when you ride a massive Ferris wheel, your passenger car travels in a gigantic vertical circle. Throughout the ride, your body constantly changes direction while the central axle holds the entire structure together. Therefore, the massive metal spokes of the wheel provide the center-seeking force required to keep you perfectly safe.

Likewise, a playground merry-go-round offers another fantastic way to feel these invisible forces tugging at your body. When you sit on the edge of a rapidly spinning merry-go-round, you must hold on tightly to avoid sliding off. Consequently, your arms provide the force needed to keep you moving in a circle with the spinning platform. Because of this, amusement parks serve as giant, entertaining physics classrooms for curious students.

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Comparing It to Straight Line Movement

Next, we must compare spinning actions to movements that simply go from one point to another directly. Typically, an object sliding across a smooth floor in one direction demonstrates linear movement, lacking any curves. In contrast, a spinning object constantly turns, meaning its path never looks like a perfectly straight ruler. Therefore, if you want to know how translatory motion operates, you must understand that it differs greatly from rotational paths.

Furthermore, in a straight path, an object can maintain the exact same velocity if its speed never changes. However, when an object travels along a curve, its velocity must change simply because its direction constantly changes. As a result, scientists treat straight-line movement and rotational movement as two distinct, yet equally important, topics. Ultimately, comparing these two concepts clarifies how things travel through our complex three-dimensional world.

centripetal force vs tangential velocity

Speed and Velocity in Circular Motion in Physics

Importantly, distinguishing between speed and velocity remains critical when studying Circular Motion in Physics. Specifically, speed measures how fast an object travels, completely ignoring the direction it happens to be facing. Conversely, velocity requires both a precise speed and a specific direction, making it a more complex measurement. Thus, learning the difference between speed and velocity prevents confusion during your upcoming science exams.

For instance, a racecar driving around a circular track at exactly 100 miles per hour demonstrates uniform circular motion with a constant speed. Nevertheless, because the car turns the steering wheel continuously, its direction changes at every single fraction of a second. Consequently, even though the car’s speed remains perfectly constant, its velocity undergoes a continuous, unending change. Therefore, an object spinning at a steady pace is still accelerating because its directional velocity never stops shifting.

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Exploring Space and Heavenly Bodies

Additionally, the most spectacular examples of these scientific laws occur far above our heads in outer space. For example, our moon travels around the Earth in a massive, curved orbit that takes about a month to complete. Similarly, the Earth and all the other planets travel in massive, elliptical orbits around our giant sun. If you want to dive deeper, you can explore the movements of the Earth in space.

Furthermore, these cosmic dances have continued for billions of years without any giant physical strings holding the planets together. Instead, invisible forces operate across the vast emptiness of the solar system, keeping everything in its proper place. Consequently, understanding these principles helps astronomers predict eclipses, track wandering comets, and launch satellites safely into orbit. Therefore, studying these rotational patterns unlocks the profound secrets of our amazing universe. To learn more about space, visit NASA’s educational planetary science resources.

Gravity driving Circular Motion in Physics for planetary orbits

Gravity Driving Circular Motion in Physics

Interestingly, you might ask what replaces the physical string when we discuss planets and moons in Circular Motion in Physics. In reality, the incredible force of gravity serves as the invisible string that holds the entire solar system together. Because the sun possesses immense mass, its gravity pulls constantly on the planets, acting as the ultimate centripetal force. Thus, the planets fall towards the sun, but their sideways momentum keeps them perpetually missing the center.

Moreover, this delicate balance between forward momentum and gravitational pull creates the stable orbits we observe today. Furthermore, if the sun suddenly vanished, its gravitational pull would disappear, causing the planets to fly off into deep space. Consequently, gravity perfectly demonstrates how massive objects influence the movements of smaller bodies across unimaginable distances. For detailed formulas on this, you might explore The Physics Classroom’s guide to circles.

Why This Topic is Crucial for Future Scientists

Finally, grasping these fundamental scientific rules prepares you for much more advanced topics in high school and college. For instance, engineers use these exact principles to design safer highway curves, thrilling roller coasters, and reliable washing machines. Additionally, mechanics must calculate angular velocity to build efficient car engines and powerful wind turbines that generate clean electricity. Therefore, mastering these concepts builds a strong foundation for any exciting career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Moreover, learning about rotational paths helps you understand what inertia actually means when objects resist changes to their movement. Consequently, you start seeing the world through the eyes of a brilliant physicist, noticing patterns everywhere you look. In conclusion, the rules that govern a spinning top are the very same rules that govern the orbiting planets. Thus, your journey into the fascinating world of physics truly begins when you understand the beauty of the curve.

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Mastering Circular Motion in Physics for Exams

Ultimately, succeeding in your middle school science exams requires you to confidently remember how Circular Motion in Physics works. First, always remember that an object moving in a circle has a tangential speed that pushes it forward, but constantly changes its direction. Second, never forget that centripetal force is the essential inward pull that prevents objects from flying away straight. Third, review these critical facts before test day to guarantee you will answer most test questions correctly.

Furthermore, try drawing simple diagrams of a spinning object, making sure to include an arrow pointing toward the center. Additionally, use clear labels to identify the speed, the changing velocity, and the invisible inward pull of the forces. Consequently, creating these visual aids helps your brain lock in the information much better than simply reading a textbook. As a result, you will feel completely prepared and incredibly confident when test day finally arrives.

FAQ on Circular Motion in Physics

What are some real-life examples of this topic?
Common real-life examples include a spinning ceiling fan, a rotating Ferris wheel, or a car turning around a curved road. Additionally, the moon orbiting the Earth perfectly demonstrates this concept on a cosmic scale.

Why does velocity change if the speed stays the same?
Velocity includes both the speed of an object and its specific direction of travel. Because a spinning object constantly changes its direction to stay on a curve, its velocity must also constantly change.

Does Circular Motion in Physics require a constant force?
Yes, it strictly requires a continuous inward pull, known as centripetal force, to keep the object on its curved path. Without this force, the object would instantly fly off in a straight, linear direction.

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Selftution.com breaks down complex physics concepts into easy-to-learn segments.

So, let’s begin.

When we look around in our daily lives, we see different objects in motion.

A car moving on the road, a ball rolling on the ground, or a train running on tracks – all these are examples of motion.

But motion can happen in many forms. One of the most basic types of motion is Translatory Motion.

In this blog, we will explore the meaning of translatory motion, its types, like Rectilinear Motion and Curvilinear Motion, and how it is different from other types of motion.

We will also connect this topic to other types of motion so that you can build a complete picture of how things move in our world.

To understand the difference between the rest and the motion, click here.

What is Translatory Motion?

Translatory motion is the motion in which every point of a body moves the same distance in the same direction at the same time. In other words, if you observe any two points on the body, they cover equal distances in equal intervals of time.

For example:

• A moving car on a straight road.
• A train running on tracks.
• A boy walking forward.

In all these cases, the entire body is moving together in one direction without rotating or spinning. That’s why this type of motion is called translatory motion.

Everyday Examples of Translatory Motion

To understand it better, let us look at a few simple examples:

• A person sliding down a playground slide.
• A book is being pushed across the table.
• A bus is moving on a highway.
• A ship sailing in the sea.

In all these cases, the objects move from one place to another in a straight or curved path.

Types of Translatory Motion

It is broadly divided into two main types:

1. Rectilinear Motion
2. Curvilinear Motion

Let us study each in detail.

Rectilinear Motion

Rectilinear motion is when an object moves along a straight line. In this type of motion, the direction does not change.

Examples:

• A train moving on straight tracks.
• A ball falling directly downward due to gravity.
• A car moving in one straight direction on a road.

Key features of rectilinear motion:

• The path is always straight.
• The object does not rotate.
• All points on the object move equally in the same line.

Rectilinear motion is the simplest and most commonly seen type of translatory motion.

What is Rectilinear Motion with Examples

Curvilinear Motion

Curvilinear motion happens when an object moves along a curved path. Unlike rectilinear motion, the direction of the object keeps changing.

Examples:

• A ball thrown in the air at an angle (projectile motion).
• A car taking a turn on a curved road.
• A stone tied to a rope and swung in a circle.

Key features of curvilinear motion:

• The path is curved, not straight.
• The object still does not rotate about its own axis – it only translates.
• Every point of the object covers the same distance along the curve.

Curvilinear motion is very common in sports, for example, when a cricket ball is bowled or when a football is kicked at an angle.

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Translatory Motion vs Rotatory Motion

To understand translatory motion better, it is useful to compare it with rotatory motion.

• In translatory motion, all parts of the body move in the same direction and cover equal distances.
• In rotatory motion, the body spins around a fixed axis. For example, the spinning of a top or the rotation of a fan blade.

What is Curvilinear Motion with Examples

Translatory Motion and Linear Motion

Sometimes, people use the term linear motion instead of rectilinear motion. Linear motion is basically the motion of an object along a line, and that line can be straight or curved.

So:

• If the line is straight → it is rectilinear motion.
• If the line is curved → it is curvilinear motion.

This means linear motion is a broader term that includes both rectilinear and curvilinear motion.

Importance of Studying Translatory Motion

Why should we study translatory motion? Here are some reasons:

• Real-life Applications: Cars, trains, airplanes, and even people move with translatory motion.
• Foundation for Physics: Understanding it helps in learning advanced topics like Newton’s Laws of Motion.
• Engineering and Design: Machines and vehicles are designed keeping this type of motion in mind.

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Translatory Motion in Nature

We don’t just see this motion in man-made objects. It also exists in nature.

Examples:

• Water flowing in a river.
• Animals walking or running.
• A leaf falling from a tree.

Difference Between Rectilinear Motion and Curvilinear Motion

Rectilinear vs Curvilinear Motion

Bridging to Other Types of Motion

So far, we have studied translatory motion and its types. But motion can also be of other kinds, such as:

• Rotatory Motion: When a body spins around a fixed axis, like the Earth rotating on its axis.
• Oscillatory Motion: When a body moves back and forth repeatedly, like a pendulum.
• Periodic Motion: Motion that repeats after equal intervals of time.

These other types of motion are also important in physics. If you want to understand the complete picture of motion, you must connect translatory motion with it.

For example:

• A wheel of a moving car shows rotatory motion, but the car itself shows translatory motion.
• A swing in a park shows oscillatory motion, but if you push the swing forward, the whole swing also shows translatory motion.

This connection between different types of motion makes the topic more interesting and practical.

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Quick Recap

• Translatory motion is when every point of a body moves the same distance in the same direction.
• It has two types: Rectilinear Motion (straight path) and Curvilinear Motion (curved path).
• Linear motion is a general term that includes both rectilinear and curvilinear motion.
• Translatory motion is different from rotatory motion.
• It is seen everywhere in daily life and in nature.

Conclusion

Translatory motion is one of the most fundamental concepts in physics. It helps us understand how objects move from one place to another. By learning about rectilinear motion, curvilinear motion, and linear motion, we get a clear picture of how motion works in both simple and complex systems.

But this is just the beginning. Motion is a vast topic, and translatory motion connects to many other types of motion, like rotatory, oscillatory, and periodic motion. Exploring these connections will not only strengthen your understanding of physics but also make you curious about the world around you.

If you enjoyed learning here, you may also like to explore our upcoming blogs on rotatory motion, oscillatory motion, and periodic motion. Together, they form the complete study of motion.

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Learn all types of motion in physics – linear, circular, oscillatory, and more – with clear definitions, real-world examples, and easy diagrams.

Selftution.com is the #1 educational website for simple, effective learning. Master physics the right way!

So, let’s begin.

When an object’s position changes with time, we say it is in motion.

Different objects have different types of motion. For example, a train moves straight along its track, a fan rotates around its axis, and the Earth revolves around the sun. There can be many more such examples.

We can classify these different types of motion based on a path, periodicity, and an object’s speed.

• Based on the path followed by an object, there are five types of motion: translatory, rotatory, circular, oscillatory, and vibratory motion.
• Based on the periodicity, there are two types of motion: periodic and non-periodic motion.

• Finally, based on speed, there are two types of motion: uniform and non-uniform motion.

Types of Motion Based on Path, Periodicity & Speed

Topics Covered

• Types of Motion Based on Path
  • Translatory motion with examples
    • Rectilinear or linear motion
    • Curvilinear motion with examples
  • Rotatory motion with examples
  • Circular motion with examples
  • Oscillatory motion with examples
  • Vibratory motion with examples
• Types of motion based on Periodicity
  • Periodic motion with examples
  • Non-periodic motion with examples
• Types of motion based on speed
  • Uniform motion with examples
  • Non-uniform motion with examples

Types of Motion Based on Path

As mentioned earlier, there are five types of motion based on the path: translatory, rotatory, circular, oscillatory, and vibratory motion.

01. TRANSLATORY MOTION

If an object moves in a line in such a way that every point of the object moves through the same distance in the same time, then the motion of the object is called translatory motion.

Let us consider this example:

Translatory Motion with Example

Some other examples of translatory motion are:

• An apple falling from a tree,
• A boy walking on a road,
• The motion of a box when pushed from one corner of the room to the other, etc.

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Translatory motion can be further of two types:

1. Rectilinear or linear motion, and
2. Curvilinear motion.

A.  Rectilinear or linear motion

If the translatory motion of a body is along a straight line, it is said to be the rectilinear or linear motion.

Types of rectilinear or linear translatory motion with examples

Some other examples of rectilinear or linear motion are:

• A stone falling straight toward the surface of the Earth,
• A car moving on a straight road,
• The motion of the bullet fired from the gun, etc.

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A.  Curvilinear motion

If the translatory motion of a body is along a curved path, it is said to be curvilinear motion.

Types of Curvilinear Motion with examples. Clipart Courtesy http://clipart-library.com/

Types of curvilinear motion with examples – a car moving on a curved road and a ball kicked by a boy.

Some other examples of curvilinear motion are:

• The motion of the cycle while taking a turn on the road,
• The revolution of the Earth around the Sun.
• A path followed by a javelin thrown by an athlete, etc.

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02. ROTATORY MOTION

If an object moves in such a way that every point of the object moves about a fixed axis, then the motion of the object is called rotatory motion.

Explanation of rotatory motion with an example

Some other examples of rotatory motion are:

• The spinning of a top on its axis.
• The rotation of the Earth on its axis.

Difference between Rotatory and Translatory Motion – A rotatory motion is different from a translatory motion because, in a rotatory motion, different parts of the object move through different distances at the same time. The body’s part near the rotation axis travels a smaller distance than the distant parts of the body.

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03. CIRCULAR MOTION

The motion of the body along a circular path is called circular motion. Circular motion is a special type of curvilinear motion in which the distance of a moving object from a fixed point (called the center) does not change.

Example of circulatory Motion – The motion of a satellite around the Earth.

Some examples of circulatory motion are:

• A girl whirling a stone tied at the end of a string.
• The movement of the hands of a clock.
• Merry-go-round.
• Bicycle wheel.
• An athlete running on a circular track,
• The motion of the blades of the fan, etc.

Most of the examples of circular motion are the same as those of rotatory motion. So, let’s understand the difference between circular and rotatory motion.

Difference between Circular, Rotatory, and Curvilinear Motion – 

1. In rotatory motion, the axis of rotation passes from a point in the body itself, whereas in a circular motion, it passes through a point outside the body.
2. In circular and rotatory motion, the distance of a point of the body from a fixed point always remains the same, whereas it is not the same in curvilinear motion.

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04. OSCILLATORY MOTION

The to-and-fro motion of a body from its rest position (or mean position) is called oscillatory motion. For example, the motion of a swing and the motion of the pendulum of the wall clock represent the oscillatory motion.

Explanation of Oscillatory Motion with an example

Explanation of Oscillatory motion with an example. Some other oscillatory motion examples are the movement of a spring,  the motion of a swing, etc.

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05. VIBRATORY MOTION

The vibratory motion is a type of oscillatory motion with a slight difference. In vibratory motion, a part of the body always remains fixed and the rest part moves to and fro about its mean position. During vibratory motion, the shape and size of the object change.

Various types of musical instruments that create vibratory motion

Examples of various types of instruments creating vibratory motion, ranging from a wire simply stretched between two fixed points to the sitar, guitar, violin, etc

Some other examples of circulatory motion are:

• The motion of our chest during breathing.
• The motion of the tuning fork when hit with a rubber pad.

Back to the types of motion based on the path

Types of Motion Based on Periodicity

As brought out earlier, there are two types of motion, based on periodicity. These are periodic and non-periodic motions.

01. PERIODIC MOTION

The periodic motion is the type of motion that gets repeated after a regular interval of time.

Some periodic motion examples are:

• The Earth completes one round around the sun in 356-1/4 days, and this motion repeats after every 356-1/4 days. Thus, it is a periodic motion.
• The moon revolves around the Earth, completes one revolution in 27 days, and then repeats its motion.
• The pendulum of the clock repeats its motion every 2 seconds.
• The motion of the needle of a sewing machine.

It will be interesting for you to know that circular and oscillatory motion is repetitive. Therefore, they come under the category of periodic motion.

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02. NON-PERIODIC MOTION

The non-periodic motion is the type of motion that does not repeat itself after a regular interval of time.

For example,

• The motion of a footballer during a match.
• A ball rolling down the ground gradually slows down and finally stops,
• The motion of sea waves, etc.

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Types of Motion Based on Speed

As brought out earlier, there are two types of motion, based on Speed. These are uniform and non-uniform motions.

01. UNIFORM MOTION

If a moving body travels an equal distance in an equal interval of time, its motion is said to be uniform. Thus, for uniform motion, the speed of the moving body remains constant. Let us understand this by an example,

Explanation of Uniform Motion with an example

Some other examples of uniform motion are:

• The revolution of the Earth around the Sun.
• The revolution of the moon around the Earth.
• The movement of the hands of a clock.

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02. NON-UNIFORM MOTION

If a moving body travels an unequal distance in an equal interval of time or an equal distance in unequal time intervals, its motion is said to be non-uniform. Thus, for the non-uniform motion, the speed of the moving body does not remain constant. Let us understand this by an example,

Example of Non-Uniform Motion

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