Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

gnorty t1_iu96i41 wrote

Reply to comment by Aseyhe in Is dark matter orbiting galaxies with the same speed as normal matter? by taracus

>ordinary matter is able to cool via inelastic collisions, causing it to lose energy but not angular momentum

This seems strange. Where does the energy go? My instinct suggests it is converted to heat but you seem to suggest the opposite.

3

Aseyhe t1_iu98er6 wrote

It can be radiated away as light.

Collisions involving molecules can excite vibrational or rotational modes, which is probably what you are getting at. Such modes gradually decay by emitting light. Collisions could also excite electronic states, which also later decay by emitting light.

16

MrMojorisin521 t1_iu9jet2 wrote

In breaking up upon collision probably. Like two cars smashing into each other and deforming.

−2