The Earth: An Inertial Frame of Reference

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of whether the Earth can be considered an inertial frame of reference. It explores the implications of Earth's motion, including its rotation and translation, in the context of Newtonian physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the Earth can be treated as an inertial frame of reference in a Newtonian context, provided that its rotation and translation are disregarded.
  • Others contend that considering the entire Earth as an inertial frame is problematic due to its motion, particularly its rotation and translation.
  • A participant suggests that for small-scale motions, such as throwing a ball, the effects of Earth's rotation can be negligible, while for larger-scale motions, like firing artillery, the rotation must be taken into account.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the Earth as an inertial frame, with no consensus reached on the matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on the scale of motion and the assumptions regarding the neglect of Earth's rotational effects.

manimaran1605
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How Earth is considered to inertial frame of reference?
 
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The Earth can be considered an inertial frame of reference in the Newtonian sense, where gravity is a real force, and when you disregard it's rotation about its axis as well as its rotation about the Sun and the Sun's rotation about the Galactic center.
 
I don't see how you could consider the whole Earth as an inertial frame of reference, but only a tiny part of it (or an object of its surface). As soon as you take into account the whole planet, you can't ignore the fact that it's moving, both transating and especially rotating.
 
If the time and space scales of your motion are very short (e.g., throwing a ball over normal, human distances) then the trajectory will barely be affected by the Earth's rotation. Just imagine how far the Earth will have rotated under your ball during the time it was in the air.

If you're firing naval artillery shells that can fly for more than a minute and disappear over the horizon, then yes you need to consider the rotation of the earth.
 

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