Unit 4 Diagonals

As we have been learning about projectiles in unit 4, the X and Y axis must be handled separately when it comes to 2D kinematics. We have been trying to understand this contradicting rule by applying it to simple scenarios. For example, a ball rolling off of a table. The ball rolling is represented by the X axis and once the ball rolls off the table, the falling downward takes places on the Y axis. It is easy to separate the two axes for this situation. Today, we stepped it up to a more complex level involving diagonals. It is harder to see the distinction between X and Y axes in diagonals so you have to treat the diagonal like a vector. A vector is a straight line whose length is magnitude and whose orientation in space is direction. They are usually represented by arrows. By breaking the diagonal vector into any two other vectors you can create a right triangle. As long as the two vectors start and end in the same place, they are equivalent to the diagonal. This places clear vectors running along the X and Y axes that are easier for us to use. The diagonal acts as the hypotenuse and the other vectors are now opposite and adjacent to the diagonal. For example, the slide in the picture above would be the diagonal that we try to break up. The ground underneath the slide is the vector on the X axis and the ladder leading up to the slide is the vector on the Y axis. You can use these sides in trigonometric functions (sine, cosine &tangent) to solve for velocity on the X or Y axis. And that is how you break down a diagonal in 2D kinematics.