Re: [Phys-l] (no subject)

["Dr. Richard Tarara" <rtarara@saintmarys.edu>]

I would approach this backwards.  To me the inability to determine an answer 
to the question shows the impossibility of an infinitely massive 
(unmoveable) object and/or an object of infinite momentum (unstoppable).  It 
is sort of like what many do with Special Relativity--STONE AGE STYLE--in 
showing that AT the speed of light a physical object (you) would have 
infinite mass but zero volume and time would stop (despite having a 
velocity)--at least according to the HS level equations.  That combination 
of impossible ('Alice in Wonderland 'if you will) consequences seems to 
preclude the possibilty of 'objects' moving at the speed of light.

Hard to describe the interaction of two impossible objects.  ;-)

OTOH--look at what happens in the limit as one or the other objects approach 
the described condition.  What happens to the earth when a dropped ball hits 
it?  What happens to a hydrogen molecule when a huge asteroid moving at 
thousands of miles (kilometers) per hour hits it?  Then what happens when 
the asteroid hits the earth.

Rick


Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, Indiana

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Connie Tyree" <CTyree@senecaeast.net>
To: <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 9:26 AM
Subject: [Phys-l] (no subject)


> A student posed the following question:  What would happen if a
> theoretically unstoppable object collides with a theoretically unmovable
> object? He predicts everything...the world...would end.  I know the world
> will not end...what is the opinion of this group?
>
> Connie L Tyree
>
> Physics/Chemistry/Earth & Space Science Teacher
> BS Comprehensive Science; BGSU
> MAT Physics; BGSU
> Seneca East High School
> 13343 E US 224
> Attica, OH 44807
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