Definition:Frame of Reference

Definition

A frame of reference is a coordinate system which is more or less arbitrarily or conveniently disposed in a model of the physical universe.

A frame of reference need not necessarily be spatial.

Point of Reference

A point of reference is a distinct point in a frame of reference.

Examples

Inertial Frame of Reference

An inertial frame of reference is a frame of reference in which a body moves at constant velocity in the absence of an external force.

That is, it is a frame of reference in which Newton's First Law of Motion holds.

Standard Inertial Frame

A set of coordinate axes fixed in space relative to the position of distant stars is known as a standard inertial frame.

Non-Inertial Frame of Reference

Let $P$ a particle be stationary in a given frame of reference $F_1$.

However, let $P$ also be accelerating in an inertial frame of reference $F_2$.

Then $F_1$ is known as a non-inertial frame of reference.

Also see

• Results about frames of reference can be found here.

Sources

• 1975: Derek F. Lawden: Tensor Calculus and Relativity (3rd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$ Special Principle of Relativity. Lorentz Transformations: $1$. Newton's laws of motion
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): frame of reference
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): frame of reference
• 2014: Christopher Clapham and James Nicholson: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (5th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): frame of reference