Is Contact Force Responsible for Molecular Bending in Objects?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of contact force and its effects on objects, as well as the relationship between forces and deformation. The speakers also touch upon the topic of collisions and elasticity. The conclusion is that forces and deformation are quantitatively related, and the rest is philosophical interpretation.
  • #1
tonyjk
227
3
Hello,

When we have 2 bodies in contact with each other, for example a book lying on the surface of a table. The table's molecules bend a little bit because of the weight of the book thus producing the contact force. My question is this contact force acting on the book does also bend the molecules of the book?

Thanks.
 
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  • #3
Only of you consider the "bending" of molecules as a metaphoric expression. :smile:
 
  • #4
Hello Again,
During collision is there any compression of both objects? if yes, the collision is considered as elastic or non elastic ?

Thank you
 
Last edited:
  • #5
tonyjk said:
Hello Again,
During collision is there any compression of both objects? if yes, the collision is considered as elastic or non elastic ?

Thank you
Yes, there is compression (deformation) for both elastic and plastic collisions.
 
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  • #6
Is the impulse force makes the deformation of the surface and the reaction force makes it on the second surface?
 
  • #7
tonyjk said:
Is the impulse force makes the deformation of the surface and the reaction force makes it on the second surface?
That's an irrelevant disctinction. Both forces in Newtons 3rd Law are on the same footing, and the choice which surface ist 1st and which 2nd is arbitary.
 
  • #8
But do these forces make the deformation?
 
  • #9
tonyjk said:
But do these forces make the deformation?
The forces are quantitatively related to the amount of deformation.
 
  • #10
A.T. said:
The forces are quantitatively related to the amount of deformation.
Ok but the forces do not deform the surfaces?
 
  • #11
tonyjk said:
Ok but the forces do not deform the surfaces?
If there is deformation, then there are forces. And vice versa. Physics tells you how they are related quantitatively. The rest is philosophy.
 
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1. What is contact force?

Contact force is a type of force that occurs when two objects come into physical contact with each other. It is a force that is exerted between the surfaces of the two objects that are in contact.

2. How is contact force different from other types of forces?

Contact force is different from other types of forces because it only occurs when two objects are in physical contact with each other. Other types of forces, such as gravitational force or electromagnetic force, can act on objects without them being in direct contact.

3. What is bending and how does it relate to contact force?

Bending is a type of deformation that occurs when an object is subjected to a contact force. When a contact force is applied to an object, it causes a bending moment which results in the object bending or flexing.

4. How does the magnitude of contact force affect bending?

The magnitude of contact force directly affects the amount of bending that occurs in an object. The greater the contact force, the greater the bending moment, and therefore the more the object will bend or flex.

5. What are some real-life examples of contact force and bending?

Some common examples of contact force and bending include bending a metal wire, breaking a stick, or compressing a spring. These actions all involve applying a force to an object which results in bending or flexing.

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