A pair of two-dimensional supercompressed circles

In summary: However, in this particular case, it may not be as helpful since the circles are not points in 3d space. In fact, if you were to create a system where you could deny everything, why bother to occlude it so crudely. If you construct a hypothetical paradox, why should you expect a resolution from someone else?
  • #1
Sikz
245
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Imagine a two dimensional universe, a plane. We take two perfect circles on this plane; they are uncompressable, being elementary particles or some such thing (whatever they are, the important thing is that they cannot be compressed). We take these two circles and set them on a collision course (the line defining the course passes through both of the circle's centers).

What happens when they collide? They can't refract because the angle is straight-on. They can't bounce because they can't be compressed. The energy has to go somewhere; so what happens?

They could explode, perhaps. Maybe the entire two dimensional universe is destroyed somehow? Or maybe the energy gets transferred in another direction, off of their twodimensional plane? While they are perfect circles ON the plane, they may not be spheres in 3d space- so perhaps one goes "up" and one goes "down" and they eventually end up in a different plane (universe) than when they started?

If the latter is the case, perhaps we could replicate this with three-dimensional spheres? Any thoughts?
 
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  • #2
What happens when an immovable object meets an irresistable force?

If you want to build a system where you can deny everything, why bother to occlude it so crudely. If you construct a hypothetical paradox, why should you expect a resolution from someone else?
 
  • #3
But uncompressable objects are possible, while an "unmovable" object is not (the very nature of motion is relative, so nothing is "unmovable" because of the lack of absolute location). In 3d space it is concievable that we could create or obtain spherical/point particles that cannot be compressed. Maybe black holes or something?

I havn't simply made up an entire new, impossible concept and asked for input (EG what if boxes were round? how would they be boxes?!). The two-dimensional universe is an analogy for the three-dimensional universe, and I've not included anything inherrently paradoxial or provedly impossible.
 
  • #4
Originally posted by Sikz
Imagine a two dimensional universe, a plane. We take two perfect circles on this plane; they are uncompressable, being elementary particles or some such thing (whatever they are, the important thing is that they cannot be compressed). We take these two circles and set them on a collision course (the line defining the course passes through both of the circle's centers).

What happens when they collide? They can't refract because the angle is straight-on. They can't bounce because they can't be compressed. The energy has to go somewhere; so what happens?

They could explode, perhaps. Maybe the entire two dimensional universe is destroyed somehow? Or maybe the energy gets transferred in another direction, off of their twodimensional plane? While they are perfect circles ON the plane, they may not be spheres in 3d space- so perhaps one goes "up" and one goes "down" and they eventually end up in a different plane (universe) than when they started?

If the latter is the case, perhaps we could replicate this with three-dimensional spheres? Any thoughts?

The scenario you have set up here can be described as a purely Elastic Collision. It's analogous to billiard balls colliding as compared to spheres of putty colliding which would be considered an inelastic collision. In a purely elastic collision, no energy is converted to heat and momentum is conserved in the colliding objects. In your scenario, the circles will rebound in the opposite direction and the sum of their momentums will be conserved. This means if they were approaching each other at the same speed, after the collision, they will be moving in the opposite directions at the same speed.
 
  • #5
But isn't that due to "bouncing"? If they can't compress they can't bounce. Or is that regardless of "bouncing", just happening normally?
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Sikz
But uncompressable objects are possible, while an "unmovable" object is not (the very nature of motion is relative, so nothing is "unmovable" because of the lack of absolute location).

Actually, it's impossible to create an uncompressible object.

If an impulse hits one end of the object, then it takes at least d/c time for the far end of the object to react where d is the diameter of the object, and c is the speed of light.
 
  • #7
Unless it's a point particle... right? (assuming they exist and aren't strings)
 
  • #8
Sikz, have you read "Flatland" by Edwin Abott? I'm guessing you probably have but if not, I think you would enjoy it.

http://ry4an.org/flatland/

Originally posted by Sikz
Unless it's a point particle... right? (assuming they exist and aren't strings)

There is certainly nothing wrong with considering 'ideal' cases. Scientists do it all the time.
 
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1. What are two-dimensional supercompressed circles?

Two-dimensional supercompressed circles are circles that have been compressed in such a way that they take up less space while still maintaining their circular shape. This compression is achieved by applying a force to the circle in a specific direction.

2. What is the scientific significance of studying two-dimensional supercompressed circles?

Studying two-dimensional supercompressed circles allows scientists to better understand the properties of circles and how they behave under different forces and conditions. This research can also have applications in materials science and engineering.

3. How are two-dimensional supercompressed circles created?

To create a two-dimensional supercompressed circle, a force must be applied to the circle in a specific direction. This can be done by using specialized equipment such as a compression machine or by manually applying force using tools.

4. What are the potential applications of two-dimensional supercompressed circles?

Two-dimensional supercompressed circles have potential applications in the development of more efficient and compact structures, such as in electronics and architecture. They can also be used in the creation of advanced materials with unique properties.

5. Are there any drawbacks to using two-dimensional supercompressed circles?

One potential drawback of using two-dimensional supercompressed circles is that they may be more susceptible to damage or deformation under certain conditions. Additionally, the process of creating these circles can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.

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