Inertial frames of reference

Definition

Inertial frames of reference are frames that are not accelerating or rotating with respect to an observer. In these frames, Newton's first law holds true and objects at rest remain at rest, while objects in motion continue moving at a constant velocity.

Related terms

Accelerating Frames: Frames of reference that are undergoing acceleration. Objects in these frames experience additional forces due to their acceleration.

Non-inertial Frames: Frames of reference that are either accelerating or rotating with respect to an observer. Newton's laws do not hold true in non-inertial frames.

Galilean Principle of Relativity: The principle stating that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference, regardless of their relative velocities.