In a coordinate system position is just a label for the points, so we can distinguish between different points. Then why we use a position vector to specify the position as it is just a label and nothing else. We can use colours if we want to label the points and it would be fine. For example, Paris is a label for a specific location on earth and it does not have magnitude or direction. Please explain it in as simple terms as you can do not use jargon.
In: Physics
You pick a spot that is the “center”. We call this the origin. Every other spot can be described as being a certain distance (magnitude) and direction away from this center spot.
On the earth, we might choose the prime meridian and equator as centers of the earth. Whereever the prime meridian meets the equator, that spot on earth is the origin.
Paris is a certain amount of distance away from the origin. It’s also a certain direction away from the origin.
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