Question

Is Earth an inertial frame of reference? Is the Sun? Justify your response.

Short answer

Because the Earth and the sun both move in circles, neither is an inertial frame of reference.

Step-by-step solution

Inertial frame of reference

An inertial frame of reference is one that is not undergoing acceleration in classical physics and special relativity.

his point of view is as valid as any other observer in another.

An inertial frame of reference is defined as a reference frame in which a body at rest remains at rest and a body in motion moves at a constant speed in a straight line unless acted on by an outside force.

.

We can conclude that Earth is not an inertial frame of reference because it rotates around the sun and spins about its axis.

Furthermore, because the sun revolves around the centre of the galaxy, it is neither an inertial nor a celestial frame of reference