The motion of an object in a straight line path is known as Linear motion.
The movement of an object along a straight line path is specifically defined in physics. This type of motion is fundamental to understanding how objects move from one point to another in the simplest possible trajectory.
Linear motion is the term used to describe motion that occurs strictly along a straight path. This motion is also frequently referred to as rectilinear motion. According to the provided reference, in a straight line, an object typically moves at a constant speed, and its direction of movement is precisely the direction of the straight line itself.
Linear motion is a foundational concept in kinematics, the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. Understanding linear motion is crucial before exploring more complex types of motion, such as projectile motion (which is often broken down into horizontal linear motion and vertical linear motion) or circular motion.
Linear motion is further classified based on the object's speed or velocity:
- Uniform Linear Motion: This occurs when an object moves along a straight line at a constant velocity (meaning both constant speed and constant direction).
- Non-Uniform Linear Motion: This involves movement along a straight line where the velocity changes over time (either the speed changes, or though the direction is constant along the line, the rate of movement varies).
In essence, any object you observe moving directly from point A to point B without any curves or turns is undergoing linear motion. Examples include a car driving straight down a highway, a train moving along a straight track, or an apple falling vertically.
