Horizontal Component

Definition

The horizontal component refers to the part of an object's motion or velocity that is parallel to the ground.

Analogy

Imagine a toy car racing on a flat track. The horizontal component of its velocity would be how fast it moves forward or backward along the track, without any vertical movement.

Related terms

Vertical Component: The vertical component is the part of an object's motion or velocity that is perpendicular to the ground.

Projectile Motion: Projectile motion is the curved path followed by an object in free fall under the influence of gravity, where both horizontal and vertical components are present.

Range: Range refers to the horizontal distance covered by a projectile before it hits the ground. It depends on both the initial speed and launch angle.