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Motivation for Concept
True point particles do not deform or rotate. In reality, it is basically impossible to find a true classical point particle. Luckily, certain assumptions that allow real (macroscopic) objects to be reasonably analyzed as point particles are often realized in physics problems and in the real world. For example, when a bullet is fired or a fastball is thrown, their rotations are chiefly relevant for their interaction with the air. If air resistance is ignored, the rotation can be as well. Similarly, although all objects deform under the influence of forces, in many cases the deformation is temporary or minor as in the example of pool balls colliding or a rubber ball bouncing off the ground. In such cases the deformation will not significantly affect the symmetries of the object or the dynamics. The deformation can often be reasonably accounted for by treating the object as a point particle but including a correction to the mechanical energy.
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