What is an inertial reference frame?

Jefferson Sarson: tricky aspect. search at google. that can help!

Derick Kinnard: This Site Might Help You.RE:What is an inertial reference frame?According to wikipedia, an inertial reference frame is one in which the laws of motion are valid. The laws of motion are valid in an inertial reference frame. Isn't this circular reasoning? I there an operational definition of an inertial reference frame (in classical mechanics) which does not......Show more

Zulema Baccam: In inertial frame of reference is one that is not accelerating.A frame of reference in a gravitational field you could be considered to be accelerating. That is why, when you are considering all the forces acting, you have to include the weight of the object. W = mg where m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity. A rotating frame of reference is accelerating - surface of the earth for example. You need to include Coriolis Force to explain the observed motion. Usually this is so small! that it can be ignored. In considering atmospheric motions you can't ignore it. If you did you would not be able to explain why the wind blows in the cyclonic direction (in the same direction as the rotation of the earth) around low pressure.In an accelerating lift, you need to include that acceleration. A car traveling along a straight road with constant gradient (or level) is an inertial frame of reference (when you include weight). Including weight, all the laws of motion will be observed to apply. As soon as the car accelerates (or slows down, or moves in a curve, or while the road is changing grade) you no longer have an inertial frame of reference. The laws of motion will not apply UNLESS you take into account that the frame of reference is accelerating....Show more

Spencer Heidtbrink: I hope this helps:When we consider the motion of an object with respect to a stationary object, that frame of reference is known as inertial.for example, a car moving at the spee! d of 50 mph will appear to move at 50 mph to a person standing! on the road. But to another car going in the same direction at 40 mph, the former car will appear to move at 10 mph....Show more