inertial frame
Americannoun
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A reference frame in which the observers are not subject to any accelerating force. In Special Relativity, time measurements in inertial frames that are not at rest with respect to each other are not equivalent; each inertial frame must have its own time coordinate, the value of which is the time as read off a standard clock at rest in that frame.
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Also called inertial frame of reference inertial reference frame, inertial system
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Compare non-inertial frame See also Special Relativity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This allows us to view the motion as if M were stationary—in fact, as if from an inertial frame of reference placed on M —without significant error.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
The crucial factor in determining whether a frame of reference is inertial is whether it accelerates or rotates relative to a known inertial frame.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
Earth’s rotation is slow enough that Earth is nearly an inertial frame.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
In an inertial frame, inertia explains the path, and no force is found to be without an identifiable source.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
Up until now, we have considered Earth to be an inertial frame of reference with little or no worry about effects due to its rotation.
From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
