Inertial Frame: Defining Perfection

AI Thread Summary
A perfectly inertial frame cannot be defined due to the complexities of motion in the universe. The Earth's rotation and its orbit around the sun complicate the concept, as it is always in motion relative to other celestial bodies. For practical purposes, a sufficiently large frame can be considered inertial if it encompasses the relevant forces at play. For example, when studying atomic interactions, the Earth is typically adequate, but for oceanic flows, its rotation must be factored in. Ultimately, the definition of an inertial frame is context-dependent and varies based on the scale of observation.
gandharva_23
Messages
61
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


How can i define a perfectly inertial frame ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can't.
The Earth goes around her axis, which goes around the sun, which goes around the galaxy, which goes around ...

Just take a frame that is "big enough" (e.g. if you're considering atoms, the Earth will usually be big enough, but if you're considering oceanic flows, you need to take the Earth's rotation into account) - if you do that carefully it will count as inertial.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Solving Question through Inertial Frame: Challenges & Workings
Replies
24
Views
2K
Lagrangean and non inertial frame
Replies
3
Views
2K
Pseudo Forces on a Mass in a Groove on a Rotating Disc
Replies
5
Views
753
Acceleration in an inertial reference frame
Replies
3
Views
1K
Distance moved in two different inertial frames
Replies
11
Views
2K
Acceleration acting on a block lying on a wedge (non-inertial frame)
Replies
3
Views
1K
Can Mechanical Energy Be Conserved in an Accelerated Frame?
Replies
12
Views
3K
Possible to use work-energy theorem from a non-inertial frame?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Position of particle in inertial reference frame
Replies
3
Views
2K
Fictitious force in a binary stars
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top