Re: [Phys-l] momentum and energy

["Spagna Jr., George" <gspagna@rmc.edu>]

Al Bachman writes:

> -----Original Message-----
> From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
[mailto:phys-l->bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Al
Bachman
> Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 7:35 PM

> IMHO one should not push the topic of elastic collisions too much. 
> They are an idealized case that results in some "cute" mathematics.

Which, it seems to me, elevates elastic collisions to the same status as
spherical chickens ...

We have to deal with simplified models, there is no hope of treating the
real world exactly!

**********************************************
"Everything should be made as simple as possible,
  but not simpler."           -- Albert Einstein
**********************************************

Dr. George Spagna
Chair, Physics Department
Randolph-Macon College
P.O. Box 5005
Ashland, VA 23005-5505

phone: (804) 752-7344
fax: (804) 752-4724
e-mail: gspagna@rmc.edu
http://faculty.rmc.edu/gspagna