if a mack truck and a motorcycle have a head on collision which one is the impact force greater? and which one has the greatest change in its motion?
This seems obvious that's why I am asking?
This is a really good question.
At impact, both have the same force.
Consider this:
The motorcycle is stopped, and the truck hits it. Let the truck give it a force F, which the motorcycle resists a force from inertia, which results in a momentum change mv to the motorcycle. But mv=F*deltatime, and since deltatime is the same for the motorcycle and the truck, F is the same.
Go through this logic for the other scenarios.
In a head-on collision between a Mack truck and a motorcycle, the impact force would be greater on the motorcycle, while the Mack truck would experience the greatest change in its motion. Allow me to explain why this is the case.
The impact force of a collision depends on a few factors: the mass of the objects involved and the velocity at which they collide. The greater the mass and velocity, the greater the impact force.
In this scenario, the Mack truck generally has significantly greater mass than a motorcycle. Due to its size, a Mack truck can weigh several tons, whereas a motorcycle typically weighs a few hundred kilograms at most. Since the mass of the Mack truck is much greater, it will generally exert a greater force during a collision.
However, when we consider the change in motion, the situation is different. The change in motion is measured by the momentum, which takes into account both mass and velocity. The equation for momentum is:
Momentum = Mass x Velocity
Considering the same collision scenario, let's assume the motorcycle is traveling at a high velocity compared to the relatively slower-moving Mack truck. Even though the motorcycle has less mass, its higher velocity can result in a comparable or even greater change in momentum compared to the Mack truck. Therefore, the motorcycle experiences the greatest change in motion.
So, to summarize:
- The impact force is greater on the motorcycle because it has less mass to withstand the force exerted by the Mack truck.
- The greatest change in motion is experienced by the motorcycle because of its relatively higher velocity, even though it has less mass.
It is important to note that these conclusions are based on general assumptions and various factors, such as the specifics of the collision, the speed, the vehicle design, and safety features, which may affect the outcome of such an event.