Can energy only be transferred if there is motion.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether energy can be transferred to an object that does not move, particularly in the context of physical interactions such as punching or hammering. Participants explore the implications of energy transfer, motion, and the relationship between energy and mass.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that punching an object that does not move could still impart energy, raising the question of mass gain according to the equation e=mc².
  • Another participant argues that no energy is transferred to the object if it remains stationary, as the opposing force from the Earth negates any energy gain, although they mention potential heating due to deformation.
  • A different viewpoint indicates that energy transfer may depend on the context, such as when hammering iron, where energy is transferred into an unmovable object.
  • Another participant clarifies that while kinetic energy is associated with motion, other forms of energy, such as heat and deformation, may be relevant in the context of applying force without resulting in motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the transfer of energy to stationary objects and the implications of such interactions.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the nuances of energy transfer, including the roles of force, motion, and deformation, but do not resolve the complexities involved in these interactions.

Berney123
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For example if I punch an object and it doesn't move, am I giving it energy, if so after doing that billions of times wouldn't it gain mass because e=mc2.
 
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For example if I punch an object and it doesn't move, am I giving it energy
You are not. The Earth (or whatever prevents the object from moving) pushes against the object in the opposite direction, and the energy gained by the object is 0. If you take deformations into account, you could heat it a tiny bit, but that is not related to the motion of the whole object.
 
Berney123 said:
For example if I punch an object and it doesn't move, am I giving it energy, if so after doing that billions of times wouldn't it gain mass because e=mc2.
Depends I guess. If you are hammering iron to make a sword you transfer quite a lot of energy into unmovable object.
 
Kinetic energy is directly tied to motion, so in that sense, no. However, there are many other types of energy, such as the deformation that has already been alluded to. When you punch a box or you hit a sword with a hammer, however, the give the slightest amount, and in that moment apply a great deal of force, absorbing energy in the form of heat and deformation. The kinetic energy of the object as a whole doesn't change though.
 

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