The discussion revolves around the collision of two identical point-sized particles traveling along different axes, specifically examining whether they will continue on their linear paths post-collision due to the work done being zero. The scope includes theoretical considerations of elastic and inelastic collisions, as well as the role of gravity in this context.
Participants express disagreement on the interpretation of work done during the collision and the implications for energy transfer. There is no consensus on the effects of gravity or the nature of the collision (elastic vs. inelastic).
The discussion highlights limitations in the assumptions regarding point-sized particles and the theoretical nature of the scenario, including unresolved questions about collision dynamics and energy loss.
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?