Another word for linear motion is __. (A) Translation (B) Rotation (C) General (D) Angular
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: (A) Translation
Explanation:
Linear motion is another term for translational motion, which refers to the movement of an object in a straight line or along a linear path. In this type of motion, all parts of the object move the same distance in the same direction over the same period of time. This means the object does not rotate or curve, and its orientation remains constant throughout the movement.
Translational motion can occur in one, two, or three dimensions. For example, a car driving straight on a highway, a person walking across a flat room, or a train moving along straight tracks are all examples of linear or translational motion. The key aspect of this motion is that the path is straight or can be broken into straight-line components.
This type of motion contrasts with rotational motion, where an object spins or turns around an internal axis. An example of rotational motion is a spinning top or a wheel rotating about its axle. Another type of motion is angular motion, which is a form of rotational movement around a point or axis. Angular motion is typically measured in angles or radians rather than in meters.
General motion combines both translational and rotational movements. For example, when a ball rolls down a hill, it both translates (moves linearly down the slope) and rotates (spins around its own axis). This combination is referred to as general motion because it involves more than one type of motion.
Therefore, the term that most specifically and correctly matches “linear motion” is translation, making option A the correct answer.