---
title: "Coordinate System — AP Physics 1 Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "A coordinate system is the axes-plus-origin framework you choose to describe motion and forces. Smart axis choices make circular motion and incline problems easy."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/coordinate-system"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics 1"
---

# Coordinate System — AP Physics 1 Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

A coordinate system is a reference framework used to locate points in space. It consists of an origin point and axes (usually x, y, and z) that are perpendicular to each other.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.7 Free-Body Diagrams for Objects in Uniform Circular Motion](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-3/free-body-diagrams-for-objects-uniform-circular-motion/study-guide/9Jbw4IP4IIUL2epHJpUb)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Position Vector: A vector that represents the position of a point in a coordinate system.
- Cartesian Coordinates: A type of coordinate system where positions are defined by their distances from two or three perpendicular axes.
- Polar Coordinates: A type of coordinate system where positions are defined by their distance from an origin point and an angle from a reference direction.