Question about vertical and horizaontal

[mjolnir80]

question about "vertical" and "horizaontal"

Homework Statement

the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are frequently used in physics. give operational definitions for these two terms. an operational definition defines a term by how it is measured or determined. your definition should apply equally well in a laboratory orr on a stepp mountainside.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

"vertical"- direction perpendicular to the plane on which an object is located
"horizaontal" - parallel to the plane on which an object is located

im not really sure if this is right
is there a better way to define them?

 

[tiny-tim]

"vertical"- direction perpendicular to the plane on which an object is located
"horizaontal" - parallel to the plane on which an object is located

im not really sure if this is right
is there a better way to define them?

Hi mjolnir80!

Wouldn't it be better to use gravity?

 

[thomate1]

Your definitions for "vertical" and "horizontal" are correct. Another way to define them could be:

"vertical" - direction pointing towards or away from the center of the Earth; can also be defined as the direction of the force of gravity acting on an object.

"horizontal" - direction parallel to the surface of the Earth; can also be defined as the direction perpendicular to the force of gravity acting on an object.