Mechanics: Change of Reference Frame and Relativity

This module begins by explaining how to apply Newton's mechanics when the frame of reference is accelerated. Translations and rotations are considered in Lesson 15, in which context the famous "Coriolis force" comes to the fore. The Earth is a natural reference frame for us earthbound observers. However, there are experiments such as the Foucault pendulum, in which the Earth's rotation has a clear effect on the dynamics observed locally on the Earth's surface. Other less sensitive experiments, measured with great precision, can also demonstrate the effect of the Earth's rotation. This is the subject of Lesson 16.

To make the introduction to special relativity clearly visible in this 24-lesson mechanics course, this module has been put together by grouping together the question of accelerated reference frames and this introduction to Einstein's theory. Lesson 22 serves as a link between the developments made in dealing with accelerated reference frames (lessons 15 and 16) and relativistic kinematics (lesson 23), followed by relativistic dynamics (lesson 24).