Physics A-Level
Inertial frame of reference
What Inertial frame of reference means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Inertial frame of reference
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Reference: AQA
A coordinate system in which a body with no resultant force acting on it remains at rest or moves with constant velocity in a straight line.
Topics that use Inertial frame of reference
- Einstein’s theory of special relativity (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Apparent forces
- Equivalence of all inertial frames
- Consequences for simultaneity, time and length
- Invariance of the speed of light in free space
- Non-inertial frame
- Rejection of absolute space and time
Using Inertial frame of reference in the exam
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