Understanding Inertial and Non-Inertial Reference Frames

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding inertial and non-inertial reference frames through a scenario involving a load suspended in a train car. Participants are analyzing the implications of the load's angle with the horizontal and the conditions under which the train operates.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering various statements about the train's motion and whether it constitutes an inertial reference frame. There is a focus on the implications of the load's angle and the conditions that might lead to different interpretations of the train's motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the relevance of a specific angle (45 degrees) mentioned in relation to the load. Some express uncertainty about their reasoning, while others explore the possibility of circular motion and its effects on the reference frame classification.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the angle of the load, as it is not explicitly stated in the problem. Participants are also navigating assumptions about the train's motion and the forces acting on the load.

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You are conducting an experiment inside a train car that may move along level rail tracks. A load is hung from the ceiling on a string. The load is not swinging, and the string is observed to make a constant angle of with the horizontal. No other forces are acting on the load. Which of the following statements are correct?

1./train is an inertial reference frame
2./train is not an inertial reference frame
3./train may be instantaneously at rest
4./The train may be moving at a constant speed in a straight line.
5./ The train may be moving at a constant speed in a circle.
6./The train must be speeding up.
7./The train must be slowing down.
8./The train must be accelerating


I'm thinking 2./ and 8./ as the angle of 45 degrees indicates a force acting on the load, thus meaning that the train is not an inertial reference frame, but I'm not totally shore if I am on the right track??
 
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Bostonpancake0 said:
You are conducting an experiment inside a train car that may move along level rail tracks. A load is hung from the ceiling on a string. The load is not swinging, and the string is observed to make a constant angle of with the horizontal. No other forces are acting on the load. Which of the following statements are correct?

1./train is an inertial reference frame
2./train is not an inertial reference frame
3./train may be instantaneously at rest
4./The train may be moving at a constant speed in a straight line.
5./ The train may be moving at a constant speed in a circle.
6./The train must be speeding up.
7./The train must be slowing down.
8./The train must be accelerating

I'm thinking 2./ and 8./ as the angle of 45 degrees indicates a force acting on the load, thus meaning that the train is not an inertial reference frame, but I'm not totally shore if I am on the right track??
Where does 45° suddenly come from ?
 
ohhhh and 5./ as train can be in ciruclar motion causing an centripetal acceleration causing 45 degree angle of load and is still a non -inertial reference frame.
 
it must come from an acceleration right?
 
I see nothing regarding 45° in the problem statement .
 
Bostonpancake0 said:
I'm not totally shore if I am on the right track??
SammyS said:
Where does 45° suddenly come from ?

I not shore you're on the left track, either...

It might be that the train car is now buoyed up by the water you've entered, when leaving the shore...

Iff this is the case, you are in a non-inertial reference frame.

The 45° string angle could indicate you are about to turn turtle, in which case 3./ will shorely apply... :approve:
OCR... :-p... lol
 
Last edited:

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