Coordinate Systems in Physics

Coordinate systems in physics
Coordinate system is a system of measurement of distance and direction with respect to rigid
bodies. Structurally, it comprises of coordinates and a reference point, usually the origin of the
coordinate system. The coordinates primarily serve the purpose of reference for the direction of
motion, while origin serves the purpose of reference for the magnitude of motion.
Measurements of magnitude and direction allow us to locate a position of a point in terms of

measurable quantities like linear distances or angles or their combinations. With these
measurements, it is possible to locate a point in the spatial extent of the coordinate system. The
point may lie anywhere in the spatial (volumetric) extent defined by the rectangular axes as
shown in the figure. (Note : The point, in the figure, is shown as small sphere for visual emphasis
only)
A point in the coordinate system
A distance in the coordinate system is measured with a standard rigid linear length like that of a
“meter” or a “foot”. A distance of 5 meters, for example, is 5 times the length of the standard
length of a meter. On the other hand, an angle is defined as a ratio of lengths and is dimensional-
less. Hence, measurement of direction is indirectly equivalent to the measurement of distances
only.
The coordinate system represents the system of rigid body like earth, which is embodied by an
observer, making measurements. Since measurements are implemented by the observer, they (the
measurements in the coordinate system) represent distance and direction as seen by the observer.
It is, therefore, clearly implied that measurements in the coordinates system are specific to the
state of motion of the coordinate system.
In a plane language, we can say that the description of motion is specific to a system of rigid
bodies, which involves measurement of distance and direction. The measurements are done,
using standards of length, by an observer, who is at rest with the system of rigid bodies. The
observer makes use of a coordinate system attached to the system of rigid bodies and uses the
same as reference to make measurements.
It is apparent that the terms “system of rigid bodies”, “observer” and “coordinate system” etc. are
similar in meaning; all of which conveys a system of reference for carrying out measurements to
describe motion. We sum up the discussion thus far as :
1. Measurements of distance, direction and location in a coordinate system are specific to

the system of rigid bodies, which serve as reference for both magnitude and direction.
2. Like point, distance and other aspects of motion, the concept of space is specific to the
reference represented by coordinate system. It is, therefore, suggested that use of word
“space” independent of coordinate system should be avoided and if used it must be kept
in mind that it represents volumetric extent of a specific coordinate system. The concept
of space, if used without caution, leads to an inaccurate understanding of the laws of
nature.
3. Once the meanings of terms are clear, “the system of reference” or “frame of reference”
or “rigid body system” or “observer” or “coordinate system” may be used
interchangeably to denote an unique system for determination of motional quantities and
the representation of a motion.
Coordinate system types
Coordinate system types determine position of a point with measurements of distance or angle or
combination of them. A spatial point requires three measurements in each of these coordinate
types. It must, however, be noted that the descriptions of a point in any of these systems are
equivalent. Different coordinate types are mere convenience of appropriateness for a given
situation. Three major coordinate systems used in the study of physics are :
 Rectangular (Cartesian)
 Spherical
 Cylindrical
Rectangular (Cartesian) coordinate system is the most convenient as it is easy to visualize and
associate with our perception of motion in daily life. Spherical and cylindrical systems are
specifically designed to describe motions, which follow spherical or cylindrical curvatures.
Rectangular (Cartesian) coordinate system
The measurements of distances along three mutually perpendicular directions, designated as x,y
and z, completely define a point A (x,y,z).
A point in rectangular coordinate system A point
is specified with three coordinate values
From geometric consideration of triangle OAB,
r=OB2+AB2
From geometric consideration of triangle OBD,
OB2=BD2+OD2
Combining above two relations, we have :
⇒r=BD2+OD2+AB2
r =√ x 2 + y 2 + z 2
The numbers are assigned to a point in the sequence x, y, z as shown for the points A and B.
Specifying points in rectangular coordinate system
A point is specified with coordinate values
Rectangular coordinate system can also be viewed as volume composed of three rectangular
surfaces. The three surfaces are designated as a pair of axial designations like “xy” plane. We
may infer that the “xy” plane is defined by two lines (x and y axes) at right angle. Thus, there are
“xy”, “yz” and “zx” rectangular planes that make up the space (volumetric extent) of the
coordinate system (See figure).
Planes in rectangular coordinate system Three

mutually perpendicular planes define domain of rectangular system
The motion need not be extended in all three directions, but may be limited to two or one
dimensions. A circular motion, for example, can be represented in any of the three planes,
whereby only two axes with an origin will be required to describe motion. A linear motion, on
the other hand, will require representation in one dimension only.
Spherical coordinate system
A three dimensional point “A” in spherical coordinate system is considered to be located on a

sphere of a radius “r”. The point lies on a particular cross section (or plane) containing origin of
the coordinate system. This cross section makes an angle “θ” from the “zx” plane (also known as
longitude angle). Once the plane is identified, the angle, φ, that the line joining origin O to the
point A, makes with “z” axis, uniquely defines the point A (r, θ, φ).
A point is specified with three coordinate values
It must be realized here that we need to designate three values r, θ and φ to uniquely define the
point A. If we do not specify θ, the point could then lie any of the infinite numbers of possible
cross section through the sphere like A'(See Figure below).

From geometric consideration of spherical coordinate system :
r =√ x 2 + y 2 + z 2
x=rsin ∅ cosθ
y=rsin ∅ sin θ
z=rco ∅
x2 + y2
tan ∅=
z
y
tanθ=
z
These relations can be easily obtained, if we know to determine projection of a directional

quantity like position vector. For example, the projection of "r" in "xy" plane is "r sinφ". In turn,
projection of "r sinφ" along x-axis is ""r sinφ cosθ". Hence,
x=rsinφcosθ
In the similar fashion, we can determine other relations.
Cylindrical coordinate system
A three dimensional point “A” in cylindrical coordinate system is considered to be located on a

cylinder of a radius “r”. The point lies on a particular cross section (or plane) containing origin of
the coordinate system. This cross section makes an angle “θ” from the “zx” plane. Once the
plane is identified, the height, z, parallel to vertical axis “z” uniquely defines the point A(r, θ, z)
Cylindrical coordinate system
r =√ x 2 + y 2
x=rcosθ
y=rsinθ
z=z
y
tanθ=
z

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Coordinate systems in physics

Measurements of magnitude and direction allow us to locate a position of a point in terms of

A point in the coordinate system

1. Measurements of distance, direction and location in a coordinate system are specific to

Coordinate system types

Rectangular (Cartesian) coordinate system

From geometric consideration of triangle OAB,

From geometric consideration of triangle OBD,

Combining above two relations, we have :

A point is specified with coordinate values

Planes in rectangular coordinate system Three

A three dimensional point “A” in spherical coordinate system is considered to be located on a

Spherical coordinate system

A point is specified with three coordinate values

Spherical coordinate system

These relations can be easily obtained, if we know to determine projection of a directional

In the similar fashion, we can determine other relations.

Cylindrical coordinate system

A three dimensional point “A” in cylindrical coordinate system is considered to be located on a

A point is specified with three coordinate values

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