# What will be the velocity component in $x$-direction?

In the figure, the particle is hitting the surface at an angle $\theta$ and velocity $V_2$ along the $y$ direction. Is there a name for this velocity? Can it be called orthogonal velocity?

I have worked out the velocity to be as following: $V_x = \frac{V_2}{\cot(\theta)}$.

Kindly guide me with this.

• While the question "is there a name for this velocity" is perfectly legitimate (as a conceptual question), the rest isn't, as it is a homework-style question. Please ask about a specific conceptual problem at a step of your calculations that is giving you trouble and show your work to get to the solution. – karatechop Feb 19 '17 at 19:39
• @heather I have removed the rest part of the question. It is the name of the velocity component that I am interested in knowing. – rcty Feb 19 '17 at 20:19
• I am a bit confused by your figure. What is "y,2 /x,1"? Also, is $v_2$ in the figure meant to be the velocity vector shown or something else? Usually in this situation you would chose coordinates such that $x$ is parallel to the surface and $y$ perpendicular (or vice versa). I don't think there is a special name for the velocity component that is perpendicular to the surface. Calling it "orthogonal velocity (component)" seems reasonable and should be understood. – user1583209 Feb 19 '17 at 20:30
• @rcty okay, I will withdraw my close vote then. +1 for a good question. – karatechop Feb 19 '17 at 20:50

I think you would describe the direction of $V_2$ as oblique, in contrast to normal (perpendicular to the surface) or glancing/grazing (almost parallel to the surface). The same terminology is used for light rays.