Reference Frames and Relative Motion - AP Physics C: Mechanics

Acceleration is invariant between inertial frames. All inertial frames measure the same acceleration for any object.

Apparent force in a rotating frame affecting moving objects. Deflects moving objects due to Earth's rotation.

Relative velocity $v_{AB} = 20 \text{ m/s}$ east. Opposite directions: $15 - (-5) = 20$ m/s eastward.

Difference in accelerations between two frames. How acceleration differs when measured from different frames.

$x' = x - vt$, $t' = t$. Transforms coordinates between frames moving at constant velocity.

Hypothetical motion independent of any frame. Motion that exists independently of any observer's frame.

Force perceived in a non-inertial frame. Fictitious force experienced by observers in accelerating frames.

Velocity relative to a fixed reference frame. Velocity measured in an inertial reference frame.

Valid at speeds much less than light. Classical mechanics approximation for non-relativistic speeds.

Motion where a body moves without rotation. Object maintains orientation while changing position.

Forces that appear in non-inertial frames. Pseudo-forces needed to apply Newton's laws in non-inertial frames.

Valid at speeds much less than light. Classical mechanics approximation for non-relativistic speeds.

Acceleration is invariant between inertial frames. All inertial frames measure the same acceleration for any object.

$\textbf{v}_{AB} = \textbf{v}_A - \textbf{v}_B$. Velocity of A minus velocity of B in vector form.

Zero velocity in that reference frame. Object has no velocity component in that frame's coordinate system.

Motion where a body moves without rotation. Object maintains orientation while changing position.

Outward force felt in a rotating frame. Fictitious force pushing objects away from rotation center.

Outward force felt in a rotating frame. Fictitious force pushing objects away from rotation center.

A framework for observing and measuring phenomena. Coordinate system from which observations and measurements are made.

Zero velocity in that reference frame. Object has no velocity component in that frame's coordinate system.

$v_{AB} = 2 \text{ m/s}$. Subtract $v_B$ from $v_A$: $5 - 3 = 2$ m/s.

Motion described from a specific reference frame. Describes how objects move relative to a chosen observer.

Vectors remain unchanged. Vector quantities are frame-independent in Galilean relativity.

A coordinate system used to define position and motion. Provides the foundation for describing position, velocity, and acceleration.

The laws of mechanics are the same in all inertial frames. Physical laws remain unchanged across all non-accelerating frames.

A frame undergoing acceleration relative to an inertial frame. Fictitious forces appear due to the frame's acceleration.

Relative velocity $v_{AB} = 3 \text{ m/s}$. Both moving in same direction: $10 - 7 = 3$ m/s.

A frame where Newton's laws hold without external forces. No fictitious forces appear; objects obey Newton's laws directly.

Weight appears increased. Upward acceleration creates additional apparent downward force.