Changing Momentum
The illustrations show two ways of providing impulse to change the momentum of a vehicle. In the top illustration, the vehicle collides with a massive concrete barrier. In the bottom illustration, the vehicle collides with water-filled barrels.
*two illustrations are shown one above the other. The top illustration shows a car with a crash test dummy behind the wheel being driven into a cement barrier. The bottom illustration shows a car with a crash test dummy behind the wheel being driven into barrels containing water.*
Explain which type of crash barrier would likely produce less damage to the vehicle and less injury to the occupants.
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To determine which type of crash barrier would likely produce less damage to the vehicle and less injury to the occupants, we need to understand the concept of impulse and momentum.
Impulse is the force applied to an object multiplied by the time interval over which the force is applied. In the case of a vehicle collision, the impulse is provided by the barrier to change the momentum of the vehicle.
Momentum is a measure of how difficult it is to stop an object. It is the product of an object's mass and velocity. The greater the momentum, the more difficult it is to stop the object.
When a vehicle collides with a barrier, such as a concrete wall or water-filled barrels, the change in momentum (impulse) is the same in both cases, as long as the collision time is the same. However, the force exerted on the vehicle and the occupants can differ significantly.
In the case of the top illustration, where the vehicle collides with a massive concrete barrier, the force exerted on the vehicle and the occupants is very high. Concrete is a rigid material with little to no give upon impact, resulting in a sudden and abrupt change in momentum. This can lead to significant damage to the vehicle and a higher risk of injury to the occupants.
In the bottom illustration, where the vehicle collides with water-filled barrels, the force exerted on the vehicle and the occupants is comparatively lower. Water is a fluid that can absorb and dissipate energy upon impact. When the vehicle hits the barrels, the water compresses and allows for a longer collision duration, increasing the time interval over which the force is applied. This results in a lower force and a less abrupt change in momentum. Consequently, this can lead to less damage to the vehicle and a reduced risk of injury to the occupants.
In summary, the crash barrier with water-filled barrels would likely produce less damage to the vehicle and less injury to the occupants compared to a massive concrete barrier. This is because the water-filled barrels allow for a longer collision duration and a lower force exerted on the vehicle and occupants.