reference frames
Observation point systems
Reference frames are coordinate systems for measuring position, motion, and other physical quantities.
What's moving and what's stationary depends entirely on which frame you choose: a passenger on a train is stationary in the train's reference frame but moving in the platform's.
Einstein's relativity revealed that even time passes differently between reference frames moving relative to each other.
The concept extends beyond physics—any perspective or context from which observations are made: From my reference frame as a parent, the school's policy makes no sense.
Relating to resistance to change
- GalileanOf a Renaissance astronomer
- NewtonianOf classical mechanics
- EinsteinianOf relativity theory
- rotatingTurning on an axis
accelerating · coordinate system · transformation · observer · velocity · momentum · kinematics · dynamics
Merged dimensional framework
- time dilationClocks slow at speed
- simultaneityState of coexisting temporally
- geodesicShortest curved-surface path
- curvatureDeviation from flatness
invariance · covariance · causality · event · interval · boost · rapidity
Arrange for unified action
- axisRotation reference line
- originStarting point or source
- CartesianOf x-y coordinate geometry
- polarOf extreme latitudes
spherical · cylindrical · azimuth · elevation · bearing · alignment · rotation · pitch
Way of seeing things
- standpointPosition for judgment
- contextCircumstances shaping meaning
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- paradigmGoverning framework of thought
worldview · outlook · vantage · angle · bias · subjectivity · cultural · conceptual
Single unit of information
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- registrationFormal recording of participation
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
marker · gauge · standard · baseline · zero point · scale · tolerance · precision
inertial
Relating to resistance to change
- GalileanOf a Renaissance astronomer
- NewtonianOf classical mechanics
- EinsteinianOf relativity theory
rotating · accelerating · coordinate system · transformation · observer · velocity · momentum · kinematics · dynamics · mechanics
spacetime
Merged dimensional framework
- time dilationClocks slow at speed
- simultaneityState of coexisting temporally
- geodesicShortest curved-surface path
curvature · invariance · covariance · causality · event · interval · boost · rapidity
coordinate
Arrange for unified action
polar · spherical · cylindrical · azimuth · elevation · bearing · alignment · rotation · pitch · roll
viewpoint
Way of seeing things
- standpointPosition for judgment
- contextCircumstances shaping meaning
- interpretationAssigned meaning
paradigm · worldview · outlook · vantage · angle · bias · subjectivity · cultural · conceptual · theoretical
datum
Single unit of information
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- registrationFormal recording of participation
alignment · marker · gauge · standard · baseline · zero point · scale · tolerance · precision · surveying
reference, references, referenced, referencing, referent, referents, referential, refer, refers