Re: centrifugal force

[Ludwik Kowalski <kowalskiL@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>]

"John S. Denker" wrote:

> At 08:49 PM 11/7/01 -0500, Ludwik Kowalski wrote:
> > .... I would say that those playing tennis already
> > belong to the rotating frame while those circulating above
> > them still belong to the initial frame of reference.
>
> Objects do not "belong" to frames of reference.
>  -- The  rotating   frame can be used to analyze each and
>      every object mentioned.
>  -- The nonrotating frame can be used to analyze each and
>      every object mentioned.

Of all imaginable frames of reference one is always very unique
to any rigid object; it is a frame with respect to which the object
is at rest. That is why the phrase "belong to" was used. I think
that the phrase can be pedagogically useful.

The process of going from one frame to another (for example,
by being attached to the structure when its omega is changing)
is real; it should be emphasized while describing a space colony.

> To emphasize I would say that those playing tennis already
> belong to the rotating frame while those circulating above
> them still belong to the initial frame of reference.
Ludwik Kowalski