Need a definition of Translation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definitions of translation and rotation of a rigid body in physics. Translation refers to the movement of a rigid body from one location to another while maintaining its orientation, exemplified by sliding a spanner across a table. Additionally, the motion of a rigid body can be described as a combination of translation of its center of mass and rotation about that center. This foundational concept is crucial for understanding rigid body dynamics.

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  • Understanding of rigid body dynamics
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as motion and forces
  • Familiarity with the center of mass
  • Introductory mathematics for physics applications
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  • Research the concept of center of mass in rigid body dynamics
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Rob K
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Hi there,

Having a little difficulty. I have to revise Translation and rotation of a rigid body. But I don't know what is meant by translation of a rigid body. Rotation is obvious.

I am guessing that it is the movement of a rigid body from one place to another. The best way I can explain what I think it is in the simplest form is if you have a spanner on a table, and you slide it from one side of the table to the other keeping the same orientation?

Kind regards

Rob
 
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Rob K said:
The best way I can explain what I think it is in the simplest form is if you have a spanner on a table, and you slide it from one side of the table to the other keeping the same orientation?
Sounds good to me.

There's even a wiki page on this: Translation (physics)

It's often useful to describe the motion of a rigid body as a translation of its center of mass plus a rotation about its center of mass.
 
Thank you Doc Al, I wish I could have found that.

Some things seem so obvious and are second nature if you did a physics or Maths A level which I didn't, Unfortunately they let me onto my degree on personality and enthusiasm for learning.

Kind regards

Rob
 

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