What is a key limitation of Newton's second law?

A key limitation of Newton's second law is its inapplicability to non-inertial reference frames. This law, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass, is derived under the assumption that the reference frame is inertial—meaning it is either at rest or moving at a constant velocity.

In non-inertial frames, such as those experiencing acceleration, fictitious forces must be introduced to account for the effects observed. For example, in a car that is accelerating, passengers feel a push back against their seats, an effect not explained solely by Newton's second law without incorporating an understanding of those fictitious forces. Thus, in these non-inertial situations, Newton's second law doesn't yield accurate predictions regarding the motion of objects, limiting its applicability.

While the other options present interesting statements, they do not correctly articulate the fundamental limitations of Newton's second law as it pertains to its usage in different types of reference frames. Understanding this limitation is essential for anyone studying physical science, as it highlights the need for alternative frameworks, such as general relativity, when dealing with accelerated systems.