for text you can use alignment options on Home tab, Paragraph section, for objects like picture or shapes you can use Position and Align options in Arrangesection on Format tab that appears when you work with objects. Word 2007/2010.
The change in an objects position is called motion.
velocity
movement
A change in an objects position relative to a reference point is called motion.
That is the definition of motion
Displacement.
This is velocity.
"change in location" "displacement"
I believe your asking for the term reffering to an objects change in position from its starting point. That term is displacement.
Motion is change of position. but remember both must always be related to some 'datum' position or state of motion.
velocity
movement