Collision of undivisible particles

[ataskaita]

Is it is true that all elastic collision are like rubber balls, then how does indivisible particles collide if they can't change their shape, that is store the energy inside like rubber balls and then release it?

 

[Khashishi]

Elastic collisions are collisions that conserve kinetic energy, not collisions that act like rubber balls. It sounds like you are taking some metaphor way too literally. Since energy is conserved, all collisions are elastic unless something changes in the particles/objects during the collision.

 

[bgq]

Their shapes change but returns as springs.

 

[ataskaita]

Thank you!

 

[PJC01]

It is important to clarify that the term "indivisible particles" is not a scientifically accepted concept. In the field of particle physics, all particles are considered to have a finite size and can interact with one another through various forces. Therefore, the idea of a collision between two undivisible particles is not accurate.

In terms of elastic collisions, it is true that they are often compared to the behavior of rubber balls due to their ability to retain their shape and release energy upon impact. However, this analogy is not meant to be taken literally. In reality, the behavior of particles in a collision is much more complex and involves a variety of factors such as mass, velocity, and angle of collision.

Furthermore, the concept of energy storage and release in collisions is not limited to elastic collisions. Inelastic collisions, where some energy is lost during the collision, also involve the transfer and release of energy between particles. Therefore, even if particles cannot change their shape, they can still collide and exchange energy through various mechanisms.

In summary, the idea of indivisible particles colliding is not accurate and the behavior of particles in collisions is much more nuanced than the analogy of rubber balls. In the field of particle physics, we use mathematical models and experimental evidence to understand the behavior of particles in collisions, rather than relying on simplified comparisons to everyday objects.