CritABCD
A.1 · 1 · Opening of A.1 Kinematics (before A.1.1)

Motion or rest?

Ask a good question: with respect to what?

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Hook

You sit on a train at 100 km h⁻¹. A friend on the platform says you are moving. You say you are still. Who is right?

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A bad question and a good one

✗ Bad question
What is motion?
✓ Good question
Is the object changing its position w.r.t. time?

“A good question is 50% of the solution.”

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Which is the better question about motion?

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A passenger is at rest relative to the train. Relative to the ground she is…

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Why is motion relative?

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A cyclist passes a bus stop. Describe her motion relative to two different reference points.

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Summary card

Key points

  • • Ask: is position changing with time, from a reference point?
  • • Yes: motion. No: rest.
  • • Motion is relative, because position is relative.

Key terms

Reference point
:
where position is measured from
Motion
:
a change of position with time
Rest
:
no change of position with time

Common errors

  • • Saying "it moves" without a reference point.
  • • Thinking rest and motion are absolute.
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