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Inertial reference frame (view source)
Revision as of 19:59, September 27, 2008
, 19:59, September 27, 2008New page: In physics, an '''inertial reference frame''' is a frame of reference in which the laws of physics take their simplest form, and the motion of objects can be explained without referenc...
In physics, an '''inertial reference frame''' is a [[frame of reference]] in which the laws of physics take their simplest form, and the motion of objects can be explained without reference to [[fictitious forces]].
For example, the relationship between the Earth and the sun can be described either in [[geocentric]] or [[heliocentric]] terms. In other words, one can describe the sun as revolving around the Earth or the Earth revolving around the sun, and both are equally mathematically valid. However, describing it in geocentric terms (with the sun revolving around the Earth) requires the introduction of fictitious forces to explain why the massive sun curves around the relatively tiny Earth. The heliocentric description, however, requires no such fictitious forces, and is therefore the ''inertial'' frame of reference. Thus, given the scientific principle of [[parsimony]], inertial reference frames are preferred.
It is important to note that [[Einstein]]'s theories of relativity apply only to ''inertial'' reference frames.
For example, the relationship between the Earth and the sun can be described either in [[geocentric]] or [[heliocentric]] terms. In other words, one can describe the sun as revolving around the Earth or the Earth revolving around the sun, and both are equally mathematically valid. However, describing it in geocentric terms (with the sun revolving around the Earth) requires the introduction of fictitious forces to explain why the massive sun curves around the relatively tiny Earth. The heliocentric description, however, requires no such fictitious forces, and is therefore the ''inertial'' frame of reference. Thus, given the scientific principle of [[parsimony]], inertial reference frames are preferred.
It is important to note that [[Einstein]]'s theories of relativity apply only to ''inertial'' reference frames.