Question

Explain with the help of examples that rest and motion are relative terms.

Answer 1

1. Rest: An object is said to be in motion if, with time, it does not change its place or position relative to its surroundings.
2. For example, A book lying on the table.
3. Motion: An object is said to be in motion if, with time, it changes its place or position with respect to its surroundings.
4. For example, a butterfly hovering over a flower. A car moving on the road.
5. Rest and motion are not absolute terms. They are relative terms.
6. Consider an example of a school bus that is moving.
7. When you see outside you see your position is changing with respect to your surroundings (trees or buildings).
8. Therefore you are in motion with respect to the trees or buildings.
9. However, if you see your friend sitting next to you your position is not changing with respect to him or her.
10. Therefore relative to your friend you are at rest.
11. Thus you are in motion relative to the trees or buildings but at the same time, you are in rest relative to your friend sitting next to you on the same bus.