Curved Path: Is it Possible Without a Force? | Reference Frame Dependence

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SUMMARY

A particle can describe a curved path without any force acting on it when observed from a non-inertial reference frame. In such frames, the particle appears to follow a curved trajectory due to the effects of pseudo forces, which arise from the acceleration of the reference frame itself. The discussion emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between inertial and non-inertial frames when analyzing motion, particularly regarding the applicability of Newton's second law (F=ma).

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Homework Statement


Is it possible for a particle to describe a curved path if no force acts on it? Is the answer reference frame dependent?
[I am sorry. I forgot that the rule says on question per thread. ]

The Attempt at a Solution


YES, when the body stays still but the frame describes a curved path. Then with respect to that frame the body will describe curves but no force would act on particle. Will we count pseudo force as a force?
 
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I guess it matters whether we are considering accelerated reference frames, or just strictly inertial reference frames.

Or put another way, do you think they are considering reference frames in which F=ma is not true?
 
ritwik06 said:

Homework Statement


Is it possible for a particle to describe a curved path if no force acts on it? Is the answer reference frame dependent?
[I am sorry. I forgot that the rule says on question per thread. ]

The Attempt at a Solution


YES, when the body stays still but the frame describes a curved path. Then with respect to that frame the body will describe curves but no force would act on particle. Will we count pseudo force as a force?
I agree with your answer. What is a "curved path", anyway? If you define it as a path for which the coordinates of points along the path are not all related by affine transformations, then all you have to do is define screwy coordinates (or, as you suggest, rotate the reference frame).
 

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