Point Mass and Extended Objects

[visionofdanish]

I'm afraid that I do not quite understand the difference between a point mass object and an extended object. The only definition that I have is that an extended object has a definite, finite size and shape. That doesn't tell me very much...

If someone could please tell me the difference between these two objects, I would greatly appreciate it. ^_^

 

[robphy]

The configuration of
a point particle is described by its position in space...
a rigid extended object is described by the position of its center of mass and its orientation.

Think "degrees of freedom".

 

[visionofdanish]

ah, I get it now. Thank you.