Question

Recall inertial vs. noninertial reference frames from Physics I (Chapter 3.4 in Etkina). Which of the following observers has a reference frame that may be modelled as an inertial reference frame? Explain. (Choose all that apply.)

1. A person at rest in this classroom.

2. A driver in a car that is breaking at a red light.

3. A person in a train traveling in a straight line at a constant speed.

4. A child on a merry-go-round spinning at a constant speed.

5. A person on a bus going around a curve at a constant speed.

6. A cyclist that is accelerating.

7. A space shuttle moving at a constant velocity of 5000 m/s

(Can you come up with your own examples of intertial reference frames? ..of noninertial reference frames? Justify your answer.)

• A. 1 only

• B. 1 and 3 only

• C. 1, 3, and 7 only

• D. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 only

• E. All of them (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Answer 1

Reference frame can be modelled as a inertial reference frame when it is either at rest or in constant velocity.

When the object moves around a curve in a constant speed, but they are accelerating as they are continuously changing their direction so so that cannot be considered as a inertial frame.

So among the given options 1,3,7 represent inertial refernce frame.

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