Can Kinetic Energy Be Transferred Without Direct Contact?

[radaballer]

Is there a way to transfer kinetic energy between two objects without the objects touching one another?

 

[ModusPwnd]

Depends on your definition of "touching" (which is not well defined).

Many ideas come to mind. Have heard of gravitational slingshot? Its used for crafts traveling around the solar system.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_assist

 

[Nugatory]

Is there a way to transfer kinetic energy between two objects without the objects touching one another?

Think about how an induction-type electric motor works. Electrical energy flows through the stator coils, creating electromagnetic forces that spin the shaft. There's no touching there.

 

[CWatters]

A glider in a thermal gains PE which it can convert to KE. The energy ultimately came from the sun. Neither touch directly. Does that count?

 

[A.T.]

A glider in a thermal gains PE which it can convert to KE. The energy ultimately came from the sun. Neither touch directly. Does that count?

The energy I gain from my breakfast ultimately came from the sun, which I never touched. Does that count?

 

[radaballer]

Depends on your definition of "touching" (which is not well defined).

Many ideas come to mind. Have heard of gravitational slingshot? Its used for crafts traveling around the solar system.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_assist

Im thinking more along the lines of a Newton's cradle, is there a way to transfer this energy through a wire or apparatus of some sort?

 

[CWatters]

You could put magnets with like poles on each ball of a Newtons cradle.

 

[KL7AJ]

Think about how an induction-type electric motor works. Electrical energy flows through the stator coils, creating electromagnetic forces that spin the shaft. There's no touching there.

This is the most common example I can think of. Picking things up with static electricity is a close second. :)