Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsNewton's Laws of Motion
Consider a frame of reference that is fixed to the earth. Which of the following statements are correct regarding this frame?
Options
- AIt is defined as an inertial frame by default.
- BIt cannot be an inertial frame since the earth revolves around the sun.
- CIt cannot be an inertial frame since the earth rotates about its axis.
- DIt qualifies as an inertial frame because Newton's laws are valid within it.
Correct answer
C. It cannot be an inertial frame since the earth rotates about its axis.
Step-by-step solution
A frame of reference fixed to the earth is a non-inertial frame because the earth is an accelerating body. The earth rotates about its own axis, which provides a centripetal acceleration to any point on its surface. The earth also revolves around the sun, which involves a centripetal acceleration directed towards the sun. Since the frame is accelerating, it is non-inertial.