Question

An apple falling from a tree is an example of

• A. Oscillatory motion
• B. Periodic motion
• C. Rotational motion
• D. Rectilinear motion

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Rectilinear motion

Explanation for the correct option:

Describe the type of the given motion.

1. When an object's motion is influenced due to gravitational force once then it is said that the object is freely falling.
2. When an object is freely-falling then its motion is always towards the centre of the earth.
3. When an object is freely-falling then it traces a straight line from its starting point towards the centre of the earth.
4. When an object is moving in a straight line then its motion is called linear motion or rectilinear motion.

Therefore, An apple falling from a tree is an example of rectilinear motion.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A: Oscillatory motion is to and fro motion, which is not the case here.

Option B: In periodic motion, the body repeats its motion after a fixed time. The apple is not repeating its motion and hence it is not in periodic motion.

Option C: In a rotational motion, the body rotates about a fixed axis, which is not the case here.

Hence, option $D$ is the correct answer.