Q2CQ

Question

Is Earth an inertial frame of reference? Is the Sun? Justify your response.

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified

Answer

Because the Earth and the sun both move in circles, neither is an inertial frame of reference.

1Step 1: Inertial frame of reference

An inertial frame of reference is one that is not undergoing acceleration in classical physics and special relativity.

2Step 2: his point of view is as valid as any other observer in another.

An inertial frame of reference is defined as a reference frame in which a body at rest remains at rest and a body in motion moves at a constant speed in a straight line unless acted on by an outside force.

We can conclude that Earth is not an inertial frame of reference because it rotates around the sun and spins about its axis.

Furthermore, because the sun revolves around the centre of the galaxy, it is neither an inertial nor a celestial frame of reference

Q4CQ

Other exercises in this chapter

Q4CQ

Does motion affect the rate of a clock as measured by an observer moving with it? Does motion affect how an observer moving relative to a clock measures its rat

View solution

Q5CQ

To whom does the elapsed time for a process seem to be longer, an observer moving relative to the process or an observer moving with the process? Which observer

View solution

Q6CQ

How could you travel far into the future without aging significantly? Could this method also allow you to travel into the past?

View solution