Frames of Reference

Definition

Frames of reference are used to describe and analyze motion from different perspectives or viewpoints. They provide a way to measure and compare positions, velocities, and accelerations.

Analogy

Think about watching cars pass by while sitting in a moving train. From your perspective inside the train, you see other objects moving relative to you. However, someone standing outside sees those same objects moving differently because they have their own frame of reference.

Related terms

Inertial Frame of Reference: An inertial frame of reference is one in which Newton's laws of motion hold true without any external forces acting on it.

Relative Motion: Relative motion describes how an object appears to move when observed from different frames of reference.

Non-Inertial Frame of Reference: A non-inertial frame of reference experiences acceleration due to external forces acting upon it.