Translational & Rotational Motion

Understanding the fundamental concepts of motion in physics

Translational Motion

Translational motion occurs when all points of an object move the same distance in the same direction.

Linear velocity: v = Δx/Δt
Linear acceleration: a = Δv/Δt

Examples include a car moving straight or a book sliding across a table.

Rotational motion occurs when an object spins about an axis, with different points moving in circular paths.

Angular velocity: ω = Δθ/Δt
Angular acceleration: α = Δω/Δt

Examples include a spinning top or the rotation of Earth about its axis.

Many objects exhibit both types of motion simultaneously, like a rolling wheel.

Rolling without slipping condition: v = rω
Kinetic energy: KE = ½mv² + ½Iω²

The point of contact with the ground is instantaneously at rest (pure rolling).