Which of the following observers is in an inertial reference frame according to…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Which of the following observers is in an inertial reference frame according to Newton’s first law?
(a) An astronaut floating weightless inside a spacecraft that is orbiting Earth at a constant speed.
(b) A passenger in a car that is slowing down uniformly to stop at a traffic light.
(c) A passenger sitting in a car traveling in a straight line at a constant speed on a level, frictionless highway.
(d) A child riding on a playground merry-go-round that spins at a steady rate.