ScienceFreePrintable

Types of Motion

A free science worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Download now

Name:Date:

Types of Motion

Choose the best answer for each question. For the question that says “Select all”, more than one option is correct. Write your own examples in the response spaces.

Recognising Motion

Identify linear, rotational and periodic motion in familiar situations.

1.Which description matches linear motion?

An object moves along a straight path.
An object spins around a central axis.
An object repeats the same movement at regular intervals.
An object changes direction unpredictably.

2.Which situation is an example of rotational motion?

A ceiling fan turning around its central shaft
A lift travelling upwards
A stone falling to the ground
A runner moving along a straight track

3.Which object shows periodic motion when it is moving steadily?

A playground swing moving repeatedly forwards and backwards
A dropped book falling to the floor
A bus travelling along a straight road
A ball rolling once down a slope

4.Select all the examples of linear motion.

A trolley pushed straight down an aisle
A spinning potter’s wheel
A train travelling along a straight section of track
A clock hand turning around its centre

5.A point on the edge of a rotating bicycle wheel travels around the wheel’s centre. What type of motion does the wheel show?

Linear motion
Rotational motion
Periodic motion only
No motion

Explain and Apply

Use the motion types to describe examples and observations.

6.In one sentence, explain what makes motion rotational.

7.Give one everyday example of linear motion and describe the path it follows.

8.Give one everyday example of rotational motion and describe what turns.

9.Give one everyday example of periodic motion and describe how its movement repeats.

10.A washing machine drum turns around its central axis. Focus on how the drum moves relative to that axis, rather than whether its movement repeats. Name the type of motion and explain why it fits.

11.Draw a simple pendulum, add arrows to show its direction of travel, and label the motion type it demonstrates.

12.Choose a moving object not used in the examples above. Name it and explain whether its motion is linear, rotational or periodic, using an observation to support your choice.