Major difference of Inertial and non-inertial frame of reference ?

In summary, the major difference between inertial and non-inertial frames of reference lies in their ability to obey or disobey the law of inertia. Inertial frames have a constant velocity and obey the law of inertia, while non-inertial frames have acceleration and do not obey the law of inertia. Additionally, the definition of an inertial frame differs between Newtonian mechanics and General Relativity.
  • #1
jamesfirst
26
0
Major difference of Inertial and non-inertial frame of reference ??

What is the major difference or differences of Inertial and non-Inertial frame of reference??


Is it only:

Inertial - Constant velocity, obeys the law of inertia

Non-inertial - Acceleration, disobeys the law of inertia
 
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  • #3


The important thing to realize is that the term is defined in a completely different way in Newtonian mechanics than in GR. Jamesfirst's OP is a decent working definition according to Newtonian mechanics.
 
  • #4


jamesfirst said:
What is the major difference or differences of Inertial and non-Inertial frame of reference??


Is it only:

Inertial - Constant velocity, obeys the law of inertia

Non-inertial - Acceleration, disobeys the law of inertia

there is difference and there is another difference.but there is no such thing as major difference (unless u define it).

so inertial frame
consider an object with mass m which is acted by fundamental force (i.e. gravitational or electric.) f.
now frame s would be inertial if
acceleration between the object and the frame = f/m.

if a frame don't satisfy the above equation then its a non inertial frame.

now if there are more objects then a inertial frame has to satisfy the equation for every object.
 

1. What is an inertial frame of reference?

An inertial frame of reference is a reference frame in which Newton's laws of motion hold true and objects at rest will remain at rest, and objects in motion will continue to move with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

2. What is a non-inertial frame of reference?

A non-inertial frame of reference is a reference frame in which Newton's laws of motion do not hold true, and objects at rest may appear to be in motion due to the frame itself accelerating.

3. How do inertial and non-inertial frames of reference differ?

The main difference between inertial and non-inertial frames of reference is that Newton's laws of motion hold true in inertial frames, while they do not hold true in non-inertial frames due to the presence of fictitious forces.

4. How are inertial and non-inertial frames of reference used in physics?

Inertial frames of reference are used as a standard for measuring motion and forces in the study of physics. Non-inertial frames are often used for analyzing the effects of acceleration or rotation on objects.

5. Can a frame of reference be both inertial and non-inertial?

No, a frame of reference can either be inertial or non-inertial, but not both. A frame may be considered inertial in one situation, but non-inertial in another depending on the presence of external forces or acceleration.

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