Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 9 - Impulse and Momentum - Conceptual Questions - Page 239: 8

Answer

When a car comes to a stop, there is an impulse exerted on the passenger to bring the passenger to a stop. If the time of the collision is shorter, then the average force on the passenger will be greater. If a car has a crumple zone, the time of the collision increases. Then the average force exerted on the passenger decreases, and it is not as dangerous for the passenger.

Work Step by Step

When a car comes to a stop, there is an impulse exerted on the passenger to bring the passenger to a stop. If the time of the collision is shorter, then the average force on the passenger will be greater. If a car has a crumple zone, the time of the collision increases. Then the average force exerted on the passenger decreases, and it is not as dangerous for the passenger.
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