I Reference frame vs coordinate chart

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The discussion centers on the distinction between "reference frame" and "coordinate chart" in the context of special relativity (SR). A reference frame is conceptualized as a physical system of rods and clocks that are synchronized and rigid, while a coordinate chart is a mathematical construct that may not adhere to these physical constraints. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining clarity in terminology, as many sources use "reference frame" interchangeably with "coordinate chart," which can lead to confusion. Participants express differing opinions on whether a reference frame should imply a physical realization or can be treated purely mathematically. Ultimately, the need for a clear understanding of these concepts is emphasized to avoid misinterpretation in discussions of spacetime physics.
  • #61
Dale said:
The standard inertial frame with Einstein synchronization convention where such and such body is at rest.
So that does mean: take a family of free bodies (zero proper acceleration) at rest w.r.t. the given (free/inertial) such and such body in a region surrounding it (just to fix ideas we can imagine a wristwatch attached to each of them).

Note that 'at rest' does actually mean that the round-trip time of 2-way light signals exchanged between those bodies does not change. Then, as pointed out in a recent PF thread, we can consistenly apply the Einstein synchronization convention to synchronize such wristwatches (the resulting one-way speed of light in the frame being defined is the universal constant value c).

Label every wristwatch (or body) with fixed different spatial coordinate values and take the proper time of each of them as the coordinate time of the frame being defined.

The map defined as above is the standard inertial frame you were talking about. Btw we're aware of we can do that just in a limited spacetime region in the context of GR. In flat spacetime instead (SR) there is no limit in principle to extend such standard inertial frame to the entire spacetime.

Make sense ? Thank you.
 
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  • #62
cianfa72 said:
Make sense ? Thank you
Yes, that makes sense.
 

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