The discussion centers on the collision of two identical point-sized particles traveling along the X and Z axes, with gravity acting parallel to the Y-axis. It concludes that while the work done by the system is zero, the work done by each particle is not, as they impart an impulse upon collision. The collision can be modeled as elastic due to negligible energy loss, despite the theoretical complications of point-like particles. Gravity is deemed irrelevant to the energy transfer during the collision.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers interested in collision dynamics, particularly in theoretical frameworks involving point-sized particles.
FireAP said:Summary:: Point sized particle collision resulting in no transfer of energy due to work being 0?
Two identical point-sized particles with the same Y-coordinate were traveling along the X and Z axes respectively. Given that gravity is acting parallel to the Y-axis, will the particles when they eventually collide, continue traveling along the same linear path due to work done by either being 0?
FireAP said:Summary:: Point sized particle collision resulting in no transfer of energy due to work being 0?
Two identical point-sized particles with the same Y-coordinate were traveling along the X and Z axes respectively. Given that gravity is acting parallel to the Y-axis, will the particles when they eventually collide, continue traveling along the same linear path due to work done by either being 0?
Yes, Y-axis is vertical. Purely theoretical.Exactly. Because they are both point sized the energy lost due to heat becomes almost negligible and since we are considering energy lost to be 0 ,this is in fact an elastic collision.PeroK said:Is the y-axis vertical? Why is the motion of either particle linear?
You can use point-sized particles to model both elastic and inelastic collisions. Although, strictly speaking, inelastic collisions between point particles are not a very accurate physical model, as loss of kinetic energy to internal thermal energy requires some sort of structure within the colliding bodies.
As stated earlier gravity does no work in this case and each particle with RESPECT to the other does not have any loss in energy due to heat or friction, what will happen to either body? They certainly won't cancel out each other's energies and if it was possible to do this experimentally I wouldn't be here right now.ZapperZ said:This is wrong.
The work done by the SYSTEM consisting of both particles is zero. The work done by EACH particle isn't zero, because upon collision, each particle impart an IMPULSE upon the other. So your claim that ".. work done by either being 0..." is incorrect.
Zz.
FireAP said:As stated earlier gravity does no work in this case and each particle with RESPECT to the other does not have any loss in energy due to heat or friction, what will happen to either body? They certainly won't cancel out each other's energies and if it was possible to do this experimentally I wouldn't be here right now.
What don't you understand about an elastic collision between two particles?FireAP said:Yes, Y-axis is vertical. Purely theoretical.Exactly. Because they are both point sized the energy lost due to heat becomes almost negligible and since we are considering energy lost to be 0 ,this is in fact an elastic collision.
The fact the the particles are point-like does nothing to simplify the situation. It complicates matters instead.FireAP said:Summary:: Point sized particle collision resulting in no transfer of energy due to work being 0?
Two identical point-sized particles with the same Y-coordinate were traveling along the X and Z axes respectively. Given that gravity is acting parallel to the Y-axis, will the particles when they eventually collide, continue traveling along the same linear path due to work done by either being 0?