What is an "inertial reference frame"?

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What is an "inertial reference frame"?

The special theory of relativity talks a lot about inertial reference frames, but what precisely, is an inertial reference frame??

2007-06-14 12:17:44 · 3 answers · asked by matt p 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics

3 answers

An inertial reference frame is a coordinate system that is not accelerating. It could be stationary or moving at a constant velocity. Of course such an assessment requires a reference coordinate system or reference inertial reference frame that is also not accelerating.

2007-06-14 12:24:11 · answer #1 · answered by telsaar 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋

One which is not accelerating which also implies not rotating either.

2007-06-14 12:34:06 · answer #2 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋

One that is not accelerating.

2007-06-14 12:20:59 · answer #3 · answered by feanor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋