Question

Why is it important to select a coordinate system when studying motion?

Answer 1

Motion is detected when an object changes its position with respect to a reference point. Coordinate system is basically used to represent motion. A coordinate system uses numbers or coordinates which represent position of the reference points on a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. The trajectory of a point or line can be studied on a coordinate system which describes various aspects of motion like velocity, acceleration, distance, displacement etc. Coordinate system is important because it helps to choose a starting point and the direction (which will be positive).