Energy Conservation in Non-Inertial Frames: Real Work?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of work done by pseudo forces in non-inertial frames and whether energy conservation applies in such contexts. Participants agree that while pseudo forces act on bodies in non-inertial frames, the work done by these forces can be considered real. It is established that energy conservation holds in non-inertial frames if the inertial forces are monogenic and not time-dependent, although this may not apply to all non-inertial frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of non-inertial reference frames
  • Familiarity with pseudo forces and their implications
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in physics
  • Concept of monogenic forces and potential energy functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of pseudo forces in classical mechanics
  • Study the criteria for energy conservation in non-inertial frames
  • Explore the concept of monogenic forces in detail
  • Investigate examples of non-inertial frames with varying acceleration
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Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in classical mechanics and the nuances of energy conservation in non-inertial reference frames.

sadhu
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in non inertial frames , a pseudo force act on the bodies
but is the work done by this force is real?

if it is ,will the law of energy conservation hold in non inertial frames too , as everything is gaining velocity due to pseudo acceleration.
 
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sadhu said:
in non inertial frames , a pseudo force act on the bodies
but is the work done by this force is real?
There is no universaly recognized criteria in physics to determine whether something is "real" nor is there a universaly recognized definition of that term. But in my opinion, yes, the work is real.
...if it is ,will the law of energy conservation hold in non inertial frames too , as everything is gaining velocity due to pseudo acceleration.
If the inertial forces in that frame are monogenic (i.e. derivable from a potential energy function) and are not explicit functions of time, then yes, energy is conserved in those frames. However this may not be the case for frames of reference for which the acceleration does not a constant value.

Best wishes

Pete
 

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