Relative acceleration between intertial reference frames?

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SUMMARY

Special relativity applies to two inertial reference frames, even when they undergo relative acceleration, as long as their velocities remain constant relative to a third inertial frame. In the discussion, two spaceships traveling toward each other on parallel trajectories illustrate this principle. The concept of "inertial reference frame" is defined by the inability to detect acceleration using a local accelerometer, confirming that special relativity holds true in these scenarios. The relativistic addition of velocities formula, $$V_{AB} =\frac{V_{AC}-V_{BC}}{1-\frac{V_{AC}V_{BC}}{c^2}}$$, supports this conclusion by demonstrating that relative velocity remains constant.

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  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with inertial reference frames
  • Knowledge of relativistic addition of velocities
  • Basic grasp of accelerometers and their function in measuring acceleration
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  • Study the implications of inertial reference frames in special relativity
  • Explore the derivation and applications of the relativistic addition of velocities
  • Investigate the role of accelerometers in distinguishing between inertial and non-inertial frames
  • Examine scenarios involving non-collinear trajectories in special relativity
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Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of inertial reference frames and their implications in special relativity.

Uhtred
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Does special relativity hold between two inertial reference frames that are undergoing relative acceleration?

For example, consider two spaceships traveling toward each other on parallel (but not collinear) trajectories. They would pass each other at some non-zero distance, and thus their relative velocity would be constantly changing.

The concept of "inertial reference frame" is all about being unable to detect accelerations via a local accelerometer, correct? And if so, then special relativity would hold between the two inertial reference frames I described above.

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Sorry for posting in the wrong forum. This should probably have gone under relativity, but I suppose most of this question still applies to classical physics...
 
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Uhtred said:
Does special relativity hold between two inertial reference frames that are undergoing relative acceleration?
Say you have two inertial frames A and B. This means that relative to a third inertial frame C, their velocities are constant, namely ##V_{AC}=const.## and ##V_{AC}=const.## Relativistic addition of velocities says that the velocity of B relative to A is $$V_{AB} =\frac{V_{AC}-V_{BC}}{1-\frac{V_{AC}V_{BC}}{c^2}}.$$The right hand side is constant, so the relative velocity ##V_{AB}## is also constant. What makes you think there is relative acceleration?
 

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