I was just wondering if there is any formal proof that two

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether there is a formal proof that two perpendicular vectors do not affect each other, particularly in the context of projectile motion and the independence of horizontal and vertical components of velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about the formal proof regarding the independence of perpendicular vectors, referencing the example of gravity not affecting the horizontal component of projectile motion.
  • Another participant suggests that the concept is trivial, noting that orthogonal vectors cannot be projected onto each other and that their inner product equals zero.
  • Some participants indicate a belief that there must be a proof for this concept, although no specific proof is provided in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the idea that perpendicular vectors do not affect each other, but there is no consensus on the existence of a formal proof.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not provide specific mathematical steps or definitions that might clarify the assumptions involved in the claims about orthogonal vectors.

cyber_paradox
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i was just wondering if there is any formal proof that two perpendicular vectors don't affect each other
i mean i do know that and understand it physically
for example that gravity does not have any affect on the horizontal component of the velocity of a projectile
but is there some proof of this
 
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Hello cyber paradox, welcome to physics forums.

What do you think about it?
 


thanks
i think there must be some proof of it.
 


do you know any?
 


You basically said it yourself. Orthogonal vectors can't be projected onto each other, their inner product equals zero. I don't think this can be proven any further, it's quite trivial.
 

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