What is Motion: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In physics, motion is the phenomenon in which an object changes its position over time. Motion is mathematically described in terms of displacement, distance, velocity, acceleration, speed, and time. The motion of a body is observed by attaching a frame of reference to an observer and measuring the change in position of the body relative to that frame with change in time. The branch of physics describing the motion of objects without reference to its cause is kinematics; the branch studying forces and their effect on motion is dynamics.
If an object is not changing relatively to a given frame of reference, the object is said to be at rest, motionless, immobile, stationary, or to have a constant or time-invariant position with reference to its surroundings. As there is no absolute frame of reference, absolute motion cannot be determined. Thus, everything in the universe can be considered to be in motion.Motion applies to various physical systems: to objects, bodies, matter particles, matter fields, radiation, radiation fields, radiation particles, curvature, and space-time. One can also speak of motion of images, shapes, and boundaries. So, the term motion, in general, signifies a continuous change in the positions or configuration of a physical system in space. For example, one can talk about the motion of a wave or about the motion of a quantum particle, where the configuration consists of probabilities of occupying specific positions.
The main quantity that measures the motion of a body is momentum. An object's momentum increases with the object's mass and with its velocity. The total momentum of all objects in an isolated system (one not affected by external forces) does not change with time, as described by the law of conservation of momentum. An object's motion, and thus its momentum, cannot change unless a force acts on the body.

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  1. ZIKA99

    B Exploring Electron Motion in Quantum Mechanics

    I had two questions in the field of physics: We know that in quantum mechanics there is an electron in a certain distance from the distance to the nucleus as a cloud or a cover. But is motion for the cloud defined by the electron moving around the nucleus? And the main question is, can the...
  2. C

    I Angular Movement and Spiralling Motion

    Hello, I am currently working on a computer program to move on object undergoing circular motion in a spiral of decreasing radius. I hope this is illustrated clearly below (forgive me but it is a sketch and thus not precise in scale): The scenario is as follows: 1. The object starts angular...
  3. Rubberduck2005

    Centripetal Motion problem -- A bead sliding around a horizontal loop

    To be honest I am a bit clueless first with how to interrupt this question I think the bead is going around a wall type thing where there is friction both in the up and X direction. Some hint to get some ideas running would be great
  4. Istiak

    Calculating Velocity when Stuntman Jumps from 1.25m Height

    > >A stuntman jumped from $1.25 \ \text{m}$ height and, landed at distance $10 \ \text{m}$. Find velocity when he jumped. (Take $\text{g}=10 \ ms^{-2}$) I had solved it following way. $$h=\frac{1}{2}gt^2$$ $$=>1.25=5\cdot t^2$$ $$=>t=\frac{1}{2}$$ And, $$s=vt$$ $$v=\frac{s}{t}$$ $$=\frac{10 \...
  5. A

    B Projectile motion — Thinking about forces on a curve ball

    When a ball is thrown such that it moves in a curved trajectory in the horizontal plane, it amuses me to think of its dynamics. In motion of a ball thrown upwards the force of gravity gives it a parabolic trajectory However when the ball is thrown to curve and hit a target, (in the horizontal...
  6. LCSphysicist

    Motion of Rolling Cylinder in Fixed Cylinder: Confusing Constraint Condition

    The problem is a classical one, basically to find the equations of motion of cylinder of radius a inside a fixed cylinder of radius b, the cylinder that rolls rotate about its own axis in such way that it does not skid/slip. Now, the thing that is making myself confused is the constraint...
  7. M

    I What is the origin of translational motion?

    Take a single atom in a vacuum chamber at T=0 K. The atom is motionless. Add thermal energy to the vacuum chamber. Does this cause the atom to move? If so, by what mechanism?
  8. PainterGuy

    Lorentz transformation of electron motion

    Hi, It's not homework but I still thought I better post it here. Please have a look on the attachment. For hi-resolution copy, please use this link: https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7840/CL6Ceq.jpg I think in equations labelled "12", 'e' is electric charge and Ex is the amplitude of...
  9. Rubberduck2005

    Tricky conceptual Projectile motion question

    So far all I have determined is the equations of motion for the two and that is as follows. It is trivial that y(t)=v1sin(Q)t -gt^2/2 and that x(t)=v2cos(Q)t. Now the angle that is anticlockwise from the negative horizontal of the robber is 90 - Q using basic trigonometry, using this we can...
  10. MD LAT 1492

    I Relative Motion & Local Frame’s Position - when projecting components

    Does the position of the origin for the body’s rotating coordinate frame 1) stay fixed to the moving body or 2) does it stay fixed to the inertial frame, yet still able to rotate as the body rotates with the only restriction that it cannot translate with the body i.e. only affixed at the...
  11. jjson775

    Electron motion after collision in a magnetic field

    Isn‘t this a straightforward problem of conservation of momentum? See attached.
  12. S

    Tension of string acting on stone moving in horizontal circular motion

    Is it possible for the stone to move in horizontal circular motion just like in the picture? I try to draw the free body diagram of the stone and there are two forces acting on the stone, its weight (directed downwards) and the tension of the string (directed to the left). The tension will...
  13. M

    Engineering Equation of motion for the translation of a single rod

    Hello, Given the statement a described above. To find the forces at point D I drawn a kinematic scheme and FBD of rod CD. But why am I allowed to ignore the mass of 50 kg, the forces at point B and point A? I know the are some rules about this, but I just can't remember them anymore.. The...
  14. J

    Cam forces acting on a linear motion bearing with nonlinear forces

    I have a machine I am designing that for all intensive descriptions, is a simple press designed to compress loose product into a puck like shape. The press force comes from a roller bearing mounted to a piston shaft, the rod sliding through a rigid linear bearing and the piston on the end of...
  15. G

    Does Poiseuille's Law apply for vertical motion of fluids down a tube?

    I investigated the flow rate of differing dilutions of glycerol through an orifice of a vertical tube and obtained the following: I'm looking for a way to quantify these results so looked to Poiseuille's Law; I'm pretty sure my graph does not show inverse proportion? Could anyone advise me as...
  16. D

    Motion in 2 dimensions -- Total displacememt of an ant walking

    I got the answer right and here's my work, but I want to know how to get the final direction correct [E 76 S]: Dtx = 2.78 [W] + (6.25)(sin40) Dtx= 1.237 Dty= (6.25)(cos40) Dty= 4.95 Dt= 4.95 (pythagorean thereom involving 1.237 and 4.95) Dangle = tan^ (4.95/1.237) = 76 Therefore, it is...
  17. S

    MHB Mechanics- General motion in a straight line.

    It's the second question. Limiting equilibrium by a force of 5N means even friction is acting in the same direction. I don't understand how to calculate. Pls help
  18. S

    MHB Mechanics- General motion in a straight line.

    Iam not able to get the ans for q(a) which is 6.5 m/s I don't understand how to calculate (b)
  19. S

    MHB General motion in a straight line

    I calculated (a) I don't know how to calculate (b)
  20. M

    I Configuring Laws of Motion: Static/Dynamic

    $$\Box A_\alpha +\mu^2 A_\alpha = 2\beta A_\mu \partial_\alpha A^\mu + \frac {4\pi}{c} J_\alpha$$ where ##A=(\Phi, \vec A)## and ##J=(\rho, \vec J)## using a static configuration first where ##α=0## and then a dynamic one where ##α=i## knowing that ##E= - \nabla^2 \Phi - \frac {\partial...
  21. S

    MHB Mechanics- General motion in a straight line.

    A woman on a sledge moves in a straight line across horizontal ice. Her initial velocity is 2 m/s. Throughout the journey her acceleration is given by a= -0.01t m/s^2, where t is the time from the start in seconds. Find the distance that she travels before coming to rest. Iam getting the ans...
  22. S

    MHB Mechanics- General motion in a straight line.

    A goods train starts from rest at point A and moves along a straight track. The train moves with acceleration a m/s^2 at time t s, given by a=0.1t^2(6-t) for 0<t<6. It then moves at constant velocity for 6<t<156 before decelerating uniformly to stop at point B at t=165. Calculate the distance...
  23. S

    MHB Mechanics- General motion in a straight line.

    A particle starts at the origin and moves along the X- axis. The acceleration of the particle in the direction of the positive x-axis is a= 6t-c for some constant c. The particle is initially stationary and it is stationary again when it is at the point with x coordinate = -4. Find the value of...
  24. M

    I Laws of Motion for New Lagrangian: Partial Differential Equations

    $$\partial^\beta F_{\beta\alpha} +\partial^\beta A_\mu A^\mu \delta^\alpha_\sigma \delta^\rho_\beta+\mu^2 A_\alpha = 2A_\mu (\partial_\rho A^\rho) +\frac {4\pi}{c}J_\alpha$$
  25. S

    MHB General motion in a straight line.

    In q(c) I calculated the distance using t= 4.25 S . I get S=-3.23×10^-3 I added 5.78m to this which is the distance between A and B, I get 5.78m. Is this the correct method to prove that the bird returns to A. Pls help
  26. M

    I Solving Proca Lagrangian w/ Extra Operator: Find Laws of Motion

    The euler lagrange equation I am using is: $$\frac {\partial^\beta \partial L}{\partial(\partial^\beta A^\alpha) }= \frac {\partial L} {\partial A^\alpha}$$ Now the proca lagrangian i am using is $$L= -\frac {1}{16\pi} F_{\alpha\beta} F^{\alpha\beta} + \frac {\mu^2} {8\pi} A_\alpha A^\alpha -...
  27. S

    MHB Mechanics- general motion in a straight line.

    I don't understand q(e) . Am I not supposed to calculate the distance between the interval 0 to 2? The textbook ans only shows the interval between 0 and 22. Should I calculate the distance taming only the second equation of velocity?
  28. kuruman

    How to Solve Projectile Motion Problems in One or Two Lines

    [url="https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/how-to-solve-projectile-motion-problems-in-one-or-two-lines/"]Continue reading...
  29. S

    MHB Mechanics- general motion in a straight line.

    A particle moves in a straight line. The velocity of the particle, v m/s, at time t s is given by v= -t^3+9t m/s for 0<t<5 a) Find the displacement of the particle from its original position, when t=5s I got the ans for this by integration and limits 5 and 0 =- 43.8 b) work out the distance...
  30. S

    MHB Mechanics- general motion in a straight line.

    I calculated q(a)=1s q(b)=7cm I don't understand q(c)
  31. S

    MHB Mechanics- general motion in a straight line.

    S for 0 to 2s = 20m From 2s to 2.5s, I integrated v with limits 2.5 and 2 and got s=8.875m So total distance would be 28.9m but the textbook ans is 29.9m. Iam not able to get 29.9 m
  32. meher4real

    Damped harmonic motion problem

    Hi ! Problem : y = 5 e^-0.25t sin (0.5.t) (m, s). Determine the deviation at a time when the amplitude has dropped to 1/5 of the original value. I tried with A=A0 e^-bt=5 e^-0.25t - Do i need to determine the time here or recreate the deviation equation when A decreased ? I don't understand...
  33. S

    MHB Mechanics- general motion in a straight line

    I don't understand how to find the distance that robot travels in 10s.
  34. S

    MHB Mechanics- general motion in a straight line

    I don't know how to calculate this. Pls help
  35. dextercioby

    I Linear & Rotational Motion: Speed of Tip in Lab Frame

    I have a pencil of Iron of length ##L## rotating about its center in a plane at constant angular velocity ##\omega##. The tip of the pencil in Newtonian mechanics has linear velocity ##\frac{\omega L}{2}##. It can exceed ##c##, of course. Now let us complicate this. Assume the center of the...
  36. C

    I Non-uniform Circular Motion & Acceleration

    I would really appreciate some help with this problem regarding non-uniform circular motion, in which a body is accelerating as it follows a circular path. If we take Example 1, a body starts at Point A with an angular speed of 180°/s. The body accelerates to Point B and reaches it some time...
  37. greg_rack

    Two-body equation of motion resolution

    Hi guys, I have started studying differential equations on my own, sticking to my last high-school year's textbook, along with a few physics applications of ODEs. Online I came across the n-body problem, which then took me to the basic two-body problem! I'm here to ask you a few things about...
  38. Krokodrile

    Superposition of two simple harmonic motion

    Hey! I am stuck in this problem, i don't know how to sum this ecuations. I remember that its possible because the direction is the same So, i try to sum like this: cos (t+5325) + 1.5 cos (t+5325) =1.5 cos (t+5325) I don't know if i fine. I thanks your help, please ;)
  39. A

    Damped Oscillatory Motion with Varying Bump Timing for Control

    First of all, the problem is not clearly defined as they don't specify if the given mass is the total mass of the car, or just the sprung mass of the car, which is really what's relevant. In any case, with the limited information given, it seems like one is forced to make the assumption that...
  40. V

    Would particle P be under non-unform circular motion?

    At t= 0, we can see that the particle P has a radial acceleration of ##-2\hat j## and a tangential acceleration of ##2 \hat i##. The radial acceleration will tend to move it in a circle of a certain radius, whereas the tangential acceleration will tend to displace it parallel to x- axis...
  41. Prez Cannady

    A Question about extragalactic stellar motion

    We have direct mass models of stellar motion inside of galaxies (basically, find a happy medium between a sphere and a disc). And of course dark matter corrections to explain the deviation between model and observation. Is there any pattern at all to the motion of extragalactic stars passing...
  42. P

    Equations of motion of damped oscillations due to kinetic friction

    Take rightwards as positive. There are 2 equations of motion, depending on whether ##\frac {dx} {dt} ## is positive or not. The 2 equations are: ##m\ddot x = -kx \pm \mu mg## My questions about this system: Is this SHM? Possible method to solve for equation of motion: - Solve the 2nd ODE...
  43. Krokodrile

    Is Your Calculation of Simple Harmonic Motion Accurate?

    The first ecuation values i am 99% that is correct. But, in the second and three problem i don't know if my results are ok. The problem number 2 i comprobate with the teacher that te aceleration its correct, so, with this i calculate the velocity. I use like example the second problem for try...
  44. Uchida

    Dynamics motion problem with a disk in contact with a bar

    First, I tried to model the disk-bar as a crank connecting rod, to the OA bar, and apply this: VP = VB + ω_BP x r_P/B, where P is the contact point between the disc and OA bar. I assumed VP = VP sin 30º i + VP cos 30º j (direction parallel to r_P/B), where r_P/B = sin 30º i + cos 30 j This...
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