Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Frames of reference are used to describe and analyze motion from different perspectives. They are coordinate systems that allow us to measure positions, velocities, and accelerations relative to a chosen point or object.
Related terms
Relative Motion: Relative motion refers to the movement observed between two objects as seen from different frames of reference.
Galilean Transformation: The Galilean transformation equations relate measurements made in one inertial frame of reference to another moving at a constant velocity relative to it.
Non-inertial Frame: A non-inertial frame is a frame of reference that is accelerating or rotating. In such frames, Newton's laws of motion may not hold true.