Collision of undivisible particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of collisions involving indivisible particles, specifically addressing the characteristics of elastic collisions and how they relate to the behavior of such particles during collisions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how indivisible particles can collide if they cannot change shape, likening them to rubber balls that store and release energy.
  • Another participant clarifies that elastic collisions are defined by the conservation of kinetic energy, not by the physical behavior of rubber balls, suggesting that the metaphor may be misleading.
  • A third participant proposes that while the shapes of particles may change during a collision, they return to their original form, similar to springs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains differing views on the interpretation of elastic collisions and the behavior of indivisible particles, with no consensus reached on the implications of these collisions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of their definitions and assumptions regarding elastic collisions and the nature of indivisible particles, leaving some aspects unresolved.

ataskaita
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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?
 
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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.
 
Their shapes change but returns as springs.
 
Thank you!
 

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