Inertial Reference Frame: An inertial reference frame is a reference system that
ID: 1997900 • Letter: I
Question
Inertial Reference Frame: An inertial reference frame is a reference system that is either stationary or moving in straight line motion. In other words, and inertial reference frame is a system that has no acceleration. Newton's three laws, and indeed all the laws of physics that are derived from them, require that all relevant quantities be measured from an inertial reference frame, a reference frame that is not accelerating. If your frame of reference is accelerating, or rotating, then Newton's laws will appear to be violated. (a great way to experience this to try to play catch on a merry-go-round; the ball appears to behave strangely!) All of the problems we've dealt with in class have been measured with respect to an inertial reference system, such as the typical Cartesian coordinate system shown. Typically, we speak of the system being fixed if it is fixed to the surface of the earth, which is stationary. But is this true? Is the surface of the earth, the reference from which we measure most quantities, really fixed in space and not accelerating? A point on the surface of the earth moves in a circular path as the earth rotates about its axis. Determine the acceleration of a point on the surface of the earth due to this rotational motion, a_rotExplanation / Answer
No, it is not fixed in space. Our earth is accelerating.
B) a_orbit = F/m
= GMm/mr^2
= GM/r^2 where M is mass of sun, r is orbital radius, G is universal constant of gravitation.