Moving at 20 m/s , a remote controlled car of mass 1000kg hits a pile of sand and comes to rest in 10 s. Find the average force that acted to stop the car.
The same car now hits a wall and comes to rest in 1s. Find the average force that acted to stop the car.
Use knowledge gained from this problem to explain why airbags generally reduce injuried during a car crash.
Force*time=mass*changevelocity
Force*time=mass*changevelocity
a) [1000* -20 ]/10 = -2000
b) [1000* -20 ]/1 = -20000
c) Would Airbags reduce injuries because they are a lot softer than a steering wheel. They also allow mote time for the head to hit the airbag which will reduce the force.
To find the average force that acted to stop the car in both situations, we can use the equation:
Force * time = mass * change in velocity
For the first situation where the car hits a pile of sand and comes to rest in 10 seconds:
Force * 10 = 1000 * (-20)
Solving for force, we get:
Force = (-2000 N)
So the average force that acted to stop the car is -2000 Newtons.
For the second situation where the car hits a wall and comes to rest in 1 second:
Force * 1 = 1000 * (-20)
Solving for force, we get:
Force = (-20000 N)
So the average force that acted to stop the car is -20000 Newtons.
Now let's explain why airbags generally reduce injuries during a car crash. When a car collides with an object, there is a rapid deceleration that occurs. This rapid change in velocity results in a large force acting on the occupants of the car. The purpose of an airbag is to increase the time duration over which this force is applied.
By increasing the duration of the collision, airbags reduce the force acting on the occupants' bodies. This reduction in force helps to mitigate injuries that can be caused by the impact. The airbag provides a softer surface for the occupants to come into contact with, spreading out the force and slowing down the deceleration of their bodies.
Additionally, airbags are designed to cushion and protect specific body parts, such as the head and chest, which are particularly vulnerable during a crash. This targeted protection further reduces the risk of severe injuries.
Overall, airbags reduce injuries during car crashes by increasing the time duration of the collision, redistributing the force, and providing targeted protection to vulnerable body parts.