In the context of $\mathrm{vectors}$ and motion, what is a reference point and what is its primary function?

• A. A reference point is the midpoint between two $\mathrm{vectors}$ used to calculate their resultant.
• B. A reference point is a fixed location used to determine the position or motion of an object relative to it.
• C. A reference point is a $\mathrm{vector}$ with $0$ magnitude used to represent equilibrium.
• D. A reference point is the endpoint of a $\mathrm{vector}$ that indicates the direction of motion.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a reference point is a fixed location in space that serves as a basis for comparison when describing the position or motion of an object.
2. Recognize that motion is always described relative to something else, and the reference point provides that 'something else'—it is the origin from which measurements are made.
3. Note that the reference point itself does not move; it acts as a stable background or frame of reference to observe changes in position or motion of other objects.
4. When describing an object's position, you measure its displacement or distance from the reference point, which allows you to quantify how far and in what direction the object has moved.
5. Therefore, the primary function of a reference point is to provide a fixed location to determine and describe the position or motion of an object relative to it.