Question

Discuss earth as a frame of reference.

• A. Earth is a non-inertial reference frame.
• B. Earth is an inertial reference frame.
• C. Both (a) and (b)
• D. Neither (a) nor (b)

Answer 1

The correct option is A Earth is a non-inertial reference frame.

By now, we are aware of the fact that an inertial frame of reference is a reference frame where an object is either moving with a constant velocity or at rest. In such a frame, there is no net force acting on an object as a result the object is not accelerated. However, in a non-inertial reference frame, the motion of an object is acted upon by fictitious forces and other forces due to external action.

Earth rotating about its own axis causes an external force that results in the acceleration of the motion of objects. This indicates that the Earth is not an inertial reference frame.