Calculating the force during a collision.

mnaik3

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Okay, there was a side on collision between a car and a 4WD, the 4WD crashed into the side of the car. The accleration experienced by each driver has been given: Car:114.9 m/s², 4WD : 43.9 m/s². The masses have been give: Driver of Car: 105kg, Driver of 4WD: 60 kg.

The thing that confuses me is that the distances that the vehicles crumpled has also been given, it is stated that it is relevant, but i cant see how: Car side: 54cm. 4WD bonnet: 1.12m.

Do i just use the F = ma to find the force during collision, or do i need to use the distances.

By the way the reason i need this is to draw a Force vs. distace graph, so the distance might be relevant.


2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

Pkruse

If this were a real problem then how the vehicles crushed would be very important. You would use that to estimate the accelerations. But since the accelerations are given, then you can use the F=ma to find forces on the drivers.