ABSTRACT
This chapter studies the particle dynamics in a rotating frame of coordinates and provides a detailed derivation of forces that need be considered along with the external forces that exert on the system. The time independent harmonic restoring force, namely, the centrifugal force and the time-dependent Coriolis force, are two typical forces which appear in rotating reference frames. The chapter investigates the motion in a noninertial coordinate system. After dealing with the general form of the equation of motion for rotating frames, the roles of the Coriolis force and effective gravitational constant were reviewed. The chapter discusses Foucault’s pendulum which is a device for observing the effects of the Coriolis force and notes the typical implications that follow. Finally it deals with the situation when a system is acted upon by nonpotential forces.
