Types of Motion

Linear Motion	Linear Motion is simply motion in a straight line. A measurement of speed will provide its magnitude (i.e. how fast) but the term velocity gives both speed and direction (i.e. it is a vector quantity)	File:LinearMotion.jpg
Rotational Motion	Rotational Motion is motion around the circumference of a circle - like the drum of a tumbler dryer or washing machine. Rotational speed is normally measured in revolutions per minute (i.e. rpm) but Angular Velocity is usually measured in Radians per Second (a complete revolution = 2π radians).	File:AngularMotion.jpg
Reciprocating Motion	Reciprocating Motion is continuous linear motion and reversing in a straight line (e.g. as the motion of a piston in a Crank and Slider mechanism).	File:ReciprocatingMotion.jpg
Oscillating Motion	Oscillating Motion is like the motion of a swing or pendulum swinging from side to side. The ends of levers exhibit Oscillating Motion and this arc of movement has to be allowed for if the lever connects to a slider which is constrained by guides to maintain linear motion - otherwise the mechanism will jam or sieze. James Watt overcame this problem by inventing his Parallel Motion linkage for use in his early steam engines.	File:OscillatingMotion.jpg

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Linear and Rotational Motions may maintain a constant speed, or velocity, or may accelerate and slow down (i.e. decelerate or retard). Both Reciprocating and Oscillating Motions however, by their nature, must accelerate and decelerate during each cycle of operation. Velocity may be maintained at a constant level and the pattern of acceleration (or deceleration) may exhibit different characteristics according to design requirements as follows:

Constant Velocity (CV)	Constant Velocity occurs when a moving object continues to cover the same distance in equal periods of time - a metre in every second of time (ms−1 in the SI metric system) or a mile every hour (mph) for example. Constant Velocity is represented on a graph of distance against time, in a Displacement Diagram for example, by a straight sloping line	File:CVgraph.jpg
Uniform Acceleration and Retardation (UAR)	Uniform Acceleration and Retardation describes the movement of a ball thrown in the air for example. This motion is repesented by a parabola on the graph.	File:UARgraph.jpg
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)	Simple Harmonic Motion is defined as the projection of a point on the diameter as it moves around a circle with uniform angular velocity. It is the motion of a pendulum or bouncing spring and provides a very smooth transition between acceleration and retardation. Simple Harmonic Motion is plotted on the graph using a Sine Curve.	File:SHMgraph.jpg