Energy transfer in particle collisions

In summary, during perfectly elastic collisions, it is not just the deformation of the colliding particles that transfers energy, but there are other mechanisms at play as well. These mechanisms do not require empty spaces in the particles and are important at a sub-atomic level. It would be interesting to explore these mechanisms further, such as through calculating the outcome of collisions between charged particles like electrons.
  • #1
Trance-
18
1
Sometime ago, in my partial state of sleepiness and being awake (you could call it trance - yo!) I had a thought that during perfectly elastic collisions, it's the deformation of the colliding particles which transfer energy from one to the other. But doesn't that assume that there are empty spaces in the composition of the particles? Now, let me say, what if we get down to the smallest particle, that is that particle has no composition but that of itself - it is a complete unity of solidity-, and two such particles collide, would elastic collision occur?

I have fair suspicions that this might have something to do with Quantum Physics or something far beyond my scope but it's nevertheless a good thing to be relieved by random, useless, pointless, and mindless wanderings of the mind.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
There are mechanisms other than elastic deformation that transfer energy in collisions and that don't need empty space to deform into. We don't see these in interactions between macroscopic objects, but they are important at a sub-atomic scale.

(it would be a good exercise to try calculating what really happens when two electrons approach each other at a high speed in a head-on "collision". They're charged particles so they'll repel one another).
 
  • Like
Likes Trance-
  • #3
Nugatory said:
There are mechanisms other than elastic deformation that transfer energy in collisions and that don't need empty space to deform into. We don't see these in interactions between macroscopic objects, but they are important at a sub-atomic scale.

(it would be a good exercise to try calculating what really happens when two electrons approach each other at a high speed in a head-on "collision". They're charged particles so they'll repel one another).
Thanks a lot for clarifying.
 

1. What is energy transfer in particle collisions?

Energy transfer in particle collisions refers to the transfer of energy from one particle to another during a collision. This can occur through various mechanisms such as elastic collisions, in which kinetic energy is conserved, or inelastic collisions, in which some kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy.

2. How is energy transferred in a particle collision?

The transfer of energy in a particle collision is dependent on the properties of the colliding particles, such as their masses, velocities, and types of interaction. In general, energy can be transferred through the exchange of momentum between particles, or through the conversion of kinetic energy into other forms such as heat or light.

3. What factors affect energy transfer in particle collisions?

Several factors can affect the amount of energy transferred in a particle collision, including the masses and velocities of the particles, the type of interaction between them (such as elastic or inelastic collisions), and any external forces acting on the particles. The energy transfer can also be affected by the presence of other particles or the surrounding environment.

4. Can energy be conserved in a particle collision?

In certain types of collisions, such as elastic collisions, the total energy of the system is conserved. This means that the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of the particles before the collision is equal to the sum of their energies after the collision. However, inelastic collisions involve the conversion of kinetic energy into other forms, so the total energy of the system may not be conserved.

5. How does energy transfer in particle collisions impact everyday life?

Energy transfer in particle collisions plays a crucial role in many aspects of everyday life, from the functioning of electronic devices to the chemical reactions in our bodies. Understanding energy transfer in particle collisions is also essential in fields such as nuclear physics, materials science, and engineering, and is the basis for technologies such as particle accelerators and nuclear reactors.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
787
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
820
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
858
Replies
14
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top