Calculating the force during a collision.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force experienced by drivers during a collision between a car and a 4WD vehicle. Given the accelerations of 114.9 m/s² for the car and 43.9 m/s² for the 4WD, along with the masses of the drivers (105 kg for the car and 60 kg for the 4WD), the primary method to determine the force is through Newton's second law, F = ma. While the crumple distances of 54 cm for the car and 1.12 m for the 4WD are mentioned, they are not necessary for calculating the forces since the accelerations are already provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Basic knowledge of acceleration and mass
  • Familiarity with units of measurement (meters, seconds, kilograms)
  • Concept of crumple zones in vehicle collisions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between force, acceleration, and mass in collision scenarios
  • Explore how crumple zones affect the forces experienced during a collision
  • Learn about drawing Force vs. Distance graphs in physics
  • Investigate real-world applications of collision force calculations in automotive safety
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, automotive engineers, and safety analysts interested in understanding collision dynamics and force calculations.

mnaik3
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Homework Statement



Okay, there was a side on collision between a car and a 4WD, the 4WD crashed into the side of the car. The acceleration 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 can't 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.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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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.
 

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