What is Non-Inertial Frame of Reference

A frame that is accelerated relative to the assumed inertial frame of reference is called a non-inertial frame. In non-inertial frame, Newton’s laws of motion are not followed. The non-inertial frame of reference moves faster than the expected inertial frame of reference. Either you can accelerate while maintaining a constant speed in a non-inertial coordinate system, or you can follow a circular route while maintaining a constant speed.

A non-inertial frame of reference is one that exhibit acceleration because of any change in speed or direction.

When compared to the usual inertial coordinate system, the non-inertial coordinate system is an accelerated coordinate system. Accelerometers in these kinds of frames typically detect non-zero accelerometers when the frame is unbalanced.

Example of Non-Inertial Frame of Reference

• For an instance, when you’re stopped at a traffic signal in your car. The vehicle is not moving. The automobile accelerates as the traffic light turns green. The vehicle is in a non-inertial frame of reference during this acceleration.
• Lift moving up and down

Note: Earth is not an example of inertial frame of reference but rather it is an inertial frame of reference. This is because earth rotates on its axis around the sun. However, when motion such as walking etc,. is considered then earth can be considered as an inertial frame of reference.

Inertial and Non-Inertial Frame of Reference are two frames of reference based on the validity of Newton’s Laws of motion on them. Frames of reference play a fundamental role in physics, to the analyze object motion, investigation of forces and interactions, and understanding of relativity principles. They establish a standardized framework for describing physical phenomena and predicting the behavior of systems.

In this article, we will learn in detail about inertial and non-inertial frame of reference with a brief introduction of frame of reference.