Collision between two identical objects

In summary, if Cars A and B have the same mass and are traveling at 60 mph towards each other, they have two options: to hit each other head on or to swerve into a massive concrete wall, also head on. Assuming the same amount of kinetic energy is lost in both collisions, it does not matter which option the drivers choose. This can be proven mathematically using energy conservation and momentum conservation.
  • #1
staralfur
11
2
Cars A and B have the sama mass.
A and B are traveling at 60 mph toward each other. They have two options: hitting the other car head on, or swerving into a massive concrete wall, also head on. (assume the same amount of KE is lost by your car in both collisions.) Should the drivers hit the other car or the wall?
What if the masses or speeds would not be the same?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
staralfur said:
assume the same amount of KE is lost by your car in both collisions
Doesn't the above already answer the question?

 
  • #3
staralfur said:
Cars A and B have the sama mass.
A and B are traveling at 60 mph toward each other. They have two options: hitting the other car head on, or swerving into a massive concrete wall, also head on. (assume the same amount of KE is lost by your car in both collisions.) Should the drivers hit the other car or the wall?
What if the masses or speeds would not be the same?

Welcome to the PF.

Is this a schoolwork question?
 
  • #4
I saw this on a list of conceptual physics questions. Might be someone's schoolwork but not mine :)
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
  • #5
How can this be proven mathmatically. Can it be done using energy conservation and momentum conservation?
 

Related to Collision between two identical objects

1. What happens when two identical objects collide?

When two identical objects collide, they exert a force on each other. This force causes the objects to change their motion and potentially deform or break depending on the strength of the force and the materials the objects are made of.

2. What factors affect the collision between two identical objects?

The factors that affect the collision between two identical objects include the mass, velocity, and angle at which the objects collide. Other factors such as the elasticity and shape of the objects can also play a role in the collision.

3. How does the conservation of momentum apply to a collision between two identical objects?

The conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. In the case of a collision between two identical objects, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, as long as there are no external forces acting on the system.

4. Can a collision between two identical objects result in a perfectly elastic collision?

Yes, a collision between two identical objects can result in a perfectly elastic collision if there is no loss of kinetic energy during the collision. This means that the objects bounce off each other with the same velocity and kinetic energy as before the collision.

5. How does the coefficient of restitution affect the collision between two identical objects?

The coefficient of restitution is a measure of the elasticity of a collision. A higher coefficient of restitution means a more elastic collision, where the objects bounce off each other with less energy lost. In the case of two identical objects, a higher coefficient of restitution would result in a more energetic collision with a greater change in motion and potential deformation or damage to the objects.

Similar threads

Energy transformed in a collision
    • Mechanics
Replies
5
Views
974
A Trying to solve an auto accident question
    • Mechanics
Replies
1
Views
585
I Work Done/Energy Transferred in One Dimensional Collision
    • Mechanics
Replies
5
Views
864
I Elastic collision between two spheres
    • Mechanics
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Momentum, impact force and Earth
    • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
1K
Testing Newtonian Gravity: Collision of Two Masses
    • Mechanics
Replies
17
Views
1K
I Conservation of angular momentum during collisions
    • Mechanics
Replies
3
Views
1K
B Conservation of momentum in a closed system
    • Mechanics
Replies
3
Views
989
Conservation of momentum and energy problem
    • Mechanics
Replies
5
Views
3K
B Understanding Momentum: The Relationship Between Mass, Velocity, and Force
    • Mechanics
Replies
29
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top