Events and inertial Reference Frames Consider a person along with a frame of ref

Question

Events and inertial Reference Frames Consider a person along with a frame of reference in each of the following situations. In which one or more of the following situations is the frame of reference an inertial frame of reference? The person is oscillating in simple harmonic motion at the end of a bungee cord. The person is in a car going around a circular curve at a constant speed. The person is in a plane that is landing on an aircraft carrier. The person is in the space shuttle during lift-off. None of the above.

Explanation / Answer

First, you need to know what an inertial reference frame is. An inertial reference frame is a NON-ACCELERATING frame of reference. Now, lets consider the four examples. a) Oscillations. This requires you go forward, slow down, stop, start moving backwards, etc. Clearly, there is an acceleration, and so this is a NON inertial reference frame. b) Circular motion. You are changing the velocity's direction by going around a curve, and this requires an acceleration. This is a NON inertial reference frame. c) A plane that is landing on an aircraft carrier is a tricky one, because it could be either. When the plane is approaching for landing, it will be traveling at a constant speed, and thus will be in an inertial reference frame. However, during the process of landing, it will be slowing down and thus will be in a NON inertial reference frame. d) During lift-off, the space shuttle will be accelerating. So, they will be in a NON inertial reference frame. My choice would be e) None of the above, because I believe choice c) meant during the slowing down of landing.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse E
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.