The discussion revolves around the concept of a rigid body, questioning its existence and the implications of this idealization in physics. Participants explore the theoretical and practical aspects of rigid bodies, including their historical context and relevance in classical mechanics.
Participants express differing views on the existence and implications of rigid bodies, with no consensus reached. Some emphasize the idealization's utility in classical mechanics, while others highlight its limitations and the complexities of real materials.
The discussion includes various assumptions about the nature of forces and interactions at the atomic level, as well as the limitations of classical mechanics in describing real-world phenomena. Participants also note the dependence on definitions and the context in which rigid body concepts are applied.
- that is not classical but relativistic physics: wrong forumAndrew Mason said:Well, the reason no force propagation can proceed at infinite speed is because it cannot exceed the speed of light. [..]
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Relativity is part of classical physics.harrylin said:- that is not classical but relativistic physics: wrong forum
I disagree. Infinite force is not what is required for a rigid body. Finite force acting instantaneously over a finite distance is what is required.- it completely misses the point, as already explained: infinite force and energy in a piece of matter is unphysical in classical mechanics.