Linear motion

When modelling a particle moving in a single direction, we’re working with one-dimensional motion, otherwise known as linear motion.

Direction

With linear motion, we have to define one direction as positive and one direction as negative.

For example, we may decide that:

• Motion to the right is positive and to the left is negative, or perhaps,
• Motion upwards is negative and motion downwards is positive.

As long as it is clearly defined, you can choose whatever you like.

We use this