Regarding inertial frames (1 Viewer)

[QZP]

Why is inside a space shuttle in orbit an inertial frame of reference (I'm assuming they are since occupants don't experience an acceleration)? Isn't it continuously accelerating (due to orbit)? I lack understanding in what defines an inertial frame

 

[someth1ng]

Why is inside a space shuttle in orbit an inertial frame of reference (I'm assuming they are since occupants don't experience an acceleration)? Isn't it continuously accelerating (due to orbit)? I lack understanding in what defines an inertial frame

For things inside the space shuttle, it's an inertial frame of reference since they are all accelerating together.

 

[anomalousdecay]

Pretty much what someth1ng said.

It also explains why Earth is our inertial frame of reference, despite it accelerating towards the sun and against other gravitational, and universal expansion forces.

 

[Fizzy_Cyst]

I endorse the above responses from my fellow nerd brethren

 

[cub3root]

wait; if earth is always an accelerating frame that means it's non-inertial so that means everything on earth is always in a non-inertial frame?

 

[Fizzy_Cyst]

it is OUR inertial frame tho

free fall is considered inertial frame beyond HSC, but look it up if interested