The dictionary defines "wind" as:
air in natural motion, as that moving !horizontally! at any velocity along the earth's surface
But you can't have a horizontal motion on a round surface. If you could, you'd define horizontal as going around the surface, and thus there could be on horizontal lines. And you can't define horizontal as "perpendicular to vertical" since there are and infinite number of vertical lines coming from the center of the earth. That would make the term vauge. even a vertical line is perpendicular to some of the other vertical lines coming from the center of the earth. Therefore, there can be no horizontal lines.
How am I wrong in the conclusion that there can be no horizontal lines?
2007-08-06 09:38:37 · 5 answers · asked by doo_grammar_good 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Alternative ➔ Other - Alternative
lines go on forever. Even if you made a line segment on the earth, the edges of it wouldn't measure exactly even with the surface.
2007-08-06 09:55:44 · update #1
This is what happens when a two-dimensional Euclidean begins studying or thinking in terms of non-Euclidean Geometry.
Euclidean Geometry is defined by a statement. Given a piont and a line within a plane, there can only be one other line that passes through said point and never touches the line (within the plane).
Non-Euclidean Geometry has more to do with parabolics and ellipses. Given the same conditions, an infinite number of parabolic lines will fit.
2007-08-06 09:54:18 · answer #1 · answered by brewer_engineer 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ofm course there are horizontal lines. By definition, a line that is parallel to the earth's surface is horizontal even if it is not infinitely long.Next time you drive your car on a level road, you will be in horizontal motion.
2007-08-06 09:48:08 · answer #2 · answered by Renaissance Man 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically its !tangientally! to the surface then. Philosophically yes there are no horizontal lines, but since the earth's diameter is huge, the surface appears horizontal.
2007-08-06 09:59:38 · answer #3 · answered by catsil_william 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is your name Rube Goldberg?
I ask because you are trying to technically undefine a very simple thing. If you want to know how many teeth a mule has, just open its mouth.
2007-08-06 12:54:32 · answer #4 · answered by Peter D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give it up, nobody is astonished by your "perceptiveness" dummy. Gee, I wish I was as smart as you in college. Go to "My Space" where the teen's will appreciate your "wisdom".
2007-08-06 11:23:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋