A two-dimensional element is defined by two coordinates.
The adjective two-dimensional is used to describe something that has two dimensions ( 2D ). A body that projects length and width, for example, has two dimensions. On the other hand, if it also has depth, it is an object with three dimensions ( 3D ) and is called three-dimensional .
Generally, dimensions are defined based on the minimum number of coordinates that are needed to specify any point on it. In this way, we can affirm that a line is one-dimensional : it reaches a single coordinate to locate a point.
Two coordinates
In the case of two-dimensional elements , two coordinates are required to achieve the specification of a point . Polygons, like squares or triangles , are two-dimensional because, to locate a point, it is necessary to establish longitude and latitude. Continuing with this logic, locating a point on a three-dimensional body (such as a cube) requires knowing three coordinates.
It is common to indicate that our world has four dimensions : three spatial and one temporal. The movements we make are to the left or right, forward or backward and down or up, and different combinations can be established. In the case of the temporal dimension, there would be a single direction .
It should be noted that, even on a two-dimensional surface, it is possible to simulate a three-dimensional effect. A sheet of paper is two-dimensional: however, by appealing to perspective , it is possible to draw a cube, giving a sensation of three-dimensionality.
A drawing is two-dimensional, although it can have a three-dimensional effect thanks to perspective.
Two-dimensional in electricity and graphic design
Within the field of electricity we can establish that the term that concerns us now is also used. Specifically, it is used to refer to the characteristic that a conductive element may have. Thus, it is established that if it is two-dimensional it is because in one of the directions of space it is insulating while in the other two we can determine that it has greater conductivity.
In addition to everything indicated, it is necessary to determine that what is known as two-dimensional graphic design exists. This is a discipline that is based on designing and shaping two-dimensional figures for various types of areas. Specifically, for photographs, drawings, paintings, computer images...
Exactly this type of design becomes a great option when it comes to shaping illustrations, logos or typography, among other elements.
The notion in statistics
If all the information we have given you is important, it is even more important to know that the adjective in question is also used within the field of statistics. In that case, it is used to give shape to the concepts of two-dimensional statistics or two-dimensional statistical variable .
Two-dimensional statistics is the name given to the discipline that is responsible for analyzing the description of a phenomenon as well as its variations and changes in two variables. That is, it proceeds to study phenomena in which two variables intervene together. Hence, among other things, we proceed to analyze the relationship that may exist between the two.