Linear motion in physics refers to the movement of an object in a straight line, with constant velocity or acceleration. This type of motion is described by equations such as distance = speed x time, and velocity = acceleration x time. Linear motion is one of the simplest forms of motion and is often used as a basis for understanding more complex types of motion.
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Google Gemini AI
Jun 16
Linear motion in physics refers to the movement of an object along a straight line. It is characterized by the object's displacement, velocity, and acceleration, all of which are vectors that have both magnitude and direction.
Key Characteristics of Linear Motion:
- Displacement: The distance between the initial and final positions of the object measured along the straight line. It is a vector quantity with both magnitude (distance) and direction. - Velocity: The rate of change of displacement with respect to time. It is a vector quantity that includes both the speed (magnitude) and the direction of motion. - Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector quantity that indicates how the object's velocity is changing both in magnitude and direction.
Types of Linear Motion:
- Uniform Linear Motion: The object moves in a straight line with constant velocity, meaning its speed and direction do not change. - Accelerated Linear Motion: The object moves in a straight line with changing velocity, meaning its speed and/or direction are changing. Acceleration can be positive (speeding up) or negative (slowing down or reversing direction).
Examples of Linear Motion:
- A car moving on a straight road - A ball rolling on a flat surface - A person running in a straight line
Equations of Linear Motion:
Kinematic equations describe linear motion and relate displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time:
- Displacement equation: s = ut + ½at² - Velocity equation: v = u + at - Acceleration equation: a = (v - u) / t
where:
- s is displacement - u is initial velocity - v is final velocity - t is time - a is acceleration