Which Way Is Horizontal?
Which way is horizontal? There are many definitions for the word “horizontal.” Sometimes, you might have trouble remembering the difference between horizontal and vertical. Simply put, horizontal is left to right, and vertical is up and down.
There are several answers to the question, “Which way is horizontal?” when talking in scientific terms. A plane is determined by three points in space. Any point in a horizontal plane would be perpendicular to the gravity field. The gravity field is the direction of gravity at that point.
In astronomy, the “horizontal coordinate system” uses the horizon as the fundamental plane. This will divide the sky for the observer into an upper and lower hemisphere. Stars evolve during their life time. A red giant will have many stages until it become a supernova. One of these stages is called the “horizontal branch” and during it, the red giant is still fusing hydrogen into helium.
Medically speaking, a “horizontal plane” divides your body into upper and lower parts. This plane would be perpendicular to the coronal plane (a vertical plane parallel to the shoulders) and the sagittal plane (divides the body into left and right portions).
Which Way Is Horizontal?
Horizontal can be defined as level, recumbent, side to side, or lying flat. Opposite words to horizontal would include vertical, upright, straight up, or up and down. A very specific definition would be:
“A horizontal line or plane would be at right angles to a line that points to the center of the earth.”
Sometimes, the word is loosely used to describe a back and forth motion.
Uses of the Word Horizontal
In visual media, a frame which has the longer side on the horizontal and the shorter side is vertical is called a horizontal image. This is the standard orientation for photographs. “Horizontal resolution” refers to the number of pixels, or individual picture elements, that appear on a screen running from left to right. The term usually refers to the number of pixels that are present in one inch.
“Horizontal drilling”, as in oil and gas wells, refers to drilling in a different direction other than vertically. It is sometimes defined as being at least 80 degrees off of the vertical. This is done to access a larger area of a particular formation, and is sometimes easier because of the composition of the layers of rock present. Sometimes it will use the increased gravity to drain a formation and is easier than drilling additional vertical holes.
In Gymnastics, the “horizontal bar”, also called the high bar, is used in men’s competitions. It is a steel bar that is 275 centimeters above the floor. Because of the 200,000 pounds per square inch of force generated during its use, it is bolted down and supported with four cables.
The “horizontal stabilizer” on an airplane is the horizontal section of the tail. It increases the plane’s stability and is also called the tail plane. It’s basically a small wing that stabilizes the plane by balancing the force of lift created by the main wings. An elevator is attached to the horizontal stabilizer to help the pilot control the plane’s pitch (inclination or slope).
Finance and Economics
To answer the question, “Which way is horizontal?” in economic terms has nothing to do with physical direction.
A “horizontal market” contains products that are needed in different kinds of businesses. In other words, a product would be used in a variety of ways, not just a specific one.
“Horizontal spread” is buying futures and options with the same strike or exercise price, but with different maturity dates. This is also called “calendar spread” or “time spread.”
“Horizontal integration” is melding several organizations, that are involved in the same production or marketing process, into a single management firm. This is a strategic move used by a company wanting to sell products in various markets. If this creates a monopoly, it is called a “horizontal monopoly.”