Chapter 9: Reference Frames
The subject of moving reference frames is of importance in the study of forces, energy and momentum (Chapters 4-8). Since both kinetic energy and momentum depend on the velocity, observers who disagree on the value of an object's velocity also will not agree on the value of the momentum or the kinetic energy. They are said to be viewing the motion from two different frames of reference. So who is measuring the correct value for the momentum and energy?
Table of Contents
Illustrations
- Illustration 9.1: Newton's First Law and Reference Frames.
- Illustration 9.2: Reference Frames.
- Illustration 9.3: The Zero-Momentum Frame.
- Illustration 9.4: Rotating Reference Frames.
Explorations
- Exploration 9.1: Compare Momentum in Different Frames.
- Exploration 9.2: Compare Energy in Different Frames.
- Exploration 9.3: Compare Relative Motion in Different Frames.
- Exploration 9.4: Compare Motion in Accelerating Frames.
- Exploration 9.5: Two Airplanes with Different Land Speeds.
Problems
- Problem 9.1: Determine velocity in another frame.
- Problem 9.2: You are rowing a boat across a river.
- Problem 9.3: Which is an inertial frame?
- Problem 9.4: Determine relative velocities.
- Problem 9.5: Two carts connected by a spring.
- Problem 9.6: Determine the equation describing relative motion of a cart.
- Problem 9.7: Determine the relative velocities of the boats.
- Problem 9.8: Determine the transformation between frames of reference.
- Problem 9.9: Two airplanes; one experiences a head/tail wind.
