Title: Newton’s Laws of Motion, Reference Frames and Inertia
Abstract: The validity of Newton’s Laws of Motion depends on the type of reference frame they act in. They are valid in inertial reference frames and not valid in non-inertial reference frames. Reference frames thus play a pivotal role any understanding of the laws themselves. So, what must we know in general about reference frames? And if a reference frame can be inertial or non-inertial, what must we know about inertia? This paper addresses these concepts and clarifies some common misconceptions surrounding them. Additionally, a modified definition of inertia is proposed that allows for a different formulation of Newton’s laws making them valid in either type of reference frame.
Publication Year: 2011
Publication Date: 2011-12-01
Language: en
Type: preprint
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