Average Acceleration during a collision

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the average acceleration of a driver during a collision with a tree, given the initial speed of the car at 85 km/h and a stopping distance of 0.80 m. Participants suggest using the SUVAT equations, specifically v² - u² = 2as, to find acceleration. Another approach mentioned involves using the equations v = u + at and s = (1/2)at² + ut, which introduces time as a variable. The problem emphasizes the need to express the result in terms of "g's," where 1 g equals 9.80 m/s². The thread highlights different methods to solve for acceleration in collision scenarios.
tak181
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Hello everyone. I am having a little trouble with this problem and I was wondering if you could give me a hand with it.

A car traveling 85 km/h strikes a tree. The front end of the car compresses and the driver comes to rest after traveling 0.80 m. What was the average acceleration of the driver during the collision? Express the answer in terms of "g's," where 1.00 g = 9.80 m/s^2.

V(0)=85 km/h
X(0)=0
V=0
X=.80 m
 
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Use the suvat eqn

v² - u² = 2as
 
Fermat said:
Use the suvat eqn

v² - u² = 2as
Where v= final velocity, u= initial velocity and s= distance traveled.


Another way to do that problem is to use the two equations

v= u+ at

s= (1/2)at2+ ut

Again, u is initial velocity, v is final velocity, s is distance moved. t now is the time of the collision. You have two equations in two unknowns, a and t.
 

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