Average Acceleration during a collision

In summary, the problem involves a car traveling at 85 km/h striking a tree and compressing 0.80 m before coming to a stop. The average acceleration of the driver during the collision can be found using the suvat equations, where v is final velocity, u is initial velocity, s is distance traveled, and t is time. Alternatively, the equations v = u + at and s = (1/2)at^2 + ut can also be used to solve for a and t.
  • #1
tak181
1
0
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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  • #2
Use the suvat eqn

v² - u² = 2as
 
  • #3
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.
 

1. What is average acceleration during a collision?

Average acceleration during a collision is a measure of the change in velocity over time during a collision. It is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the time it took for the change to occur.

2. How is average acceleration during a collision different from instant acceleration?

While average acceleration during a collision is calculated over a specific time period, instant acceleration is calculated at a specific moment in time. This means that average acceleration takes into account the entire duration of the collision, while instant acceleration only considers the acceleration at a single point in time.

3. How is average acceleration during a collision related to force?

According to Newton's second law of motion, force is equal to mass multiplied by average acceleration. This means that in a collision, a greater average acceleration will result in a greater force being exerted on the objects involved.

4. Can average acceleration during a collision be negative?

Yes, average acceleration during a collision can be negative. This would occur if the velocity of the object decreases during the collision, resulting in a negative change in velocity over time.

5. How can average acceleration during a collision be used to determine the severity of a crash?

Average acceleration during a collision can be used to determine the severity of a crash by comparing it to a known threshold. For example, a higher average acceleration would indicate a more severe crash, as it would result in a stronger force being exerted on the objects involved.

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