Understanding Motion

Learning Objectives: Define the following terms: uniform motion, non-uniform motion, stroboscope. State and explain whether an object is in motion with reference to another object. Understand that motion is measured over a time interval. Recognize that periodic motion can be used to measure time. Compare uniform and non-uniform motion.

Key Concepts: Physics is a systematic, organized, and logical science. It is necessary to have a structured approach when solving any type of problem in science. Motion is relative to the position of the observer. Different observers may perceive the motion of an object in entirely different ways. An object is in motion if its position changes with respect to an observer. Motion is measured over a time interval such as s, min, h. An object that undergoes periodic motion (pendulum, recording timer, stroboscope) can be used to measure time and may be calibrated against a standard measurement of time. Motion can be either uniform or non-uniform.