Point sized particle collision and no transfer of energy

[FireAP]

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?

 

[PeroK]

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?

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.

 

[ZapperZ]

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?

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]

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.

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.

 

[FireAP]

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.

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]

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.

It seems as if you didn't understand a single word that I stated in the post you quoted.

Zz.

 

[PeroK]

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.

What don't you understand about an elastic collision between two particles?

As far as I can see gravity is irrelevant here. That's simply acting as an external force on the system.

 

[jbriggs444]

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?

The fact the the particles are point-like does nothing to simplify the situation. It complicates matters instead.

At what angle do the two particles collide? Indeterminate.
How much energy is lost upon collision? Indeterminate.
Do the two particles collide? Probability zero.