Reference frame

Definition

A reference frame is a coordinate system or viewpoint used to measure and observe physical phenomena, such as motion. It can be stationary or in motion relative to other reference frames.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reference frames can be inertial (non-accelerating) or non-inertial (accelerating).
2. Relative velocity depends on the chosen reference frame.
3. The laws of physics, particularly Newton's laws, hold true in all inertial reference frames.
4. Transformations between reference frames are often performed using Galilean or Lorentz transformations.
5. Observers in different reference frames may measure different values for the same physical quantity, such as time and distance.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes an inertial reference frame from a non-inertial one?
• How does relative velocity change when switching between two moving reference frames?
• Why do the laws of physics appear the same in all inertial reference frames?

Related terms

Inertial Frame: A reference frame that is not accelerating, where Newton's laws of motion hold true.

Non-Inertial Frame: A reference frame that is accelerating, where fictitious forces must be introduced to apply Newton's laws.

Galilean Transformation: $$\text{Equations that relate the coordinates of one inertial frame to another moving at a constant velocity.}$$