Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

Which term defines the motion of an object from one location to another?

1. Momentum

2. Translation

3. Acceleration

4. Force

The correct answer is: Translation

The term that defines the motion of an object from one location to another is translation. Translation specifically refers to the movement of an object in space where all parts of the object move the same distance, in the same direction, and at the same time. This type of motion contrasts with other forms of motion, such as rotation, where different parts of an object may move differently relative to a pivot point. Momentum, for example, refers to the quantity of motion an object possesses, which is a product of its mass and velocity, but does not itself describe the action of moving from one place to another. Acceleration describes the rate of change of velocity of an object over time, indicating how quickly an object is speeding up or slowing down, rather than just the act of moving. Force, on the other hand, is an interaction that causes an object to change its velocity (i.e., to accelerate), but like momentum, it does not specifically refer to the movement from one location to another. In summary, translation precisely captures the concept of moving an object from one point to another, making it the correct term in this context.