Movement

Movement refers to change in position or place of an object or organism with respect to a reference frame over time. In physics, motion describes this change in space and time and is described by quantities such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The study of motion distinguishes between kinematics, which analyzes how objects move, and dynamics, which explains why they move, often in terms of forces and energy. A key concept in physics is the principle of relativity: motion is relative to an observer and no absolute state of rest exists.

Biological movement encompasses the ways living beings move, from the muscular contractions of animals to the microscopic beating of cilia and flagella in single-celled organisms. Major locomotion modes include walking, running, hopping, swimming, flying, and crawling, each supported by specialized anatomy and energy metabolism. Movement is driven by muscle tissue and motor proteins, and is coordinated by nervous systems and sensory feedback.

Social movement refers to organized collective efforts to enact social or political change. Such movements recruit participants, articulate shared frames, and navigate opportunities and constraints in political and cultural contexts. Examples range from civil rights campaigns to environmental advocacy. The success and form of a movement depend on leadership, resources, public support, and institutional openness.

In measurement, movement is analyzed through trajectory, speed, and acceleration, using tools such as motion capture, accelerometers, GPS, and videography. Movement underpins many fields, including robotics, biomechanics, sports science, and neuroscience, and is central to understanding both physical systems and living beings.