Understanding the Concept of Inertial and Non-Inertial Reference Frames

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A reference frame moving at constant velocity is classified as an inertial reference frame, while an accelerating reference frame is deemed non-inertial. There is no special name for an accelerating reference frame beyond "non-inertial." In non-inertial frames, apparent forces that arise due to acceleration are often referred to as inertial forces. The discussion highlights the semantic confusion surrounding these terms, suggesting a shift towards consistently calling them non-inertial forces. Clarity in terminology is important for understanding the concepts of reference frames in physics.
Tweaktastic
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I know a reference frame moving at constant velocity is a inertial reference frame.

Is a reference frame that is accelerating non-inertial?

What is the name for an accelerating reference frame? (inertial?, non-inertial?, ...is there a special name for it?)
 
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Yes, accelerating is non-inertial (no special name from what I know)
 
But yet an apparent force that appears in the non-inertial frame due to its acceleration is sometimes called an inertial force. :devil:

(Sorry to the OP if this is confusing, it's just one of those semantics things that bothered me at first when I was first learning about non-inertial frames. Anyone agree?)
 
I do agree. Let's just start calling them non-inertial forces and see if it catches on.
 

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