Collision between two identical objects

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In a collision scenario involving two identical cars traveling at 60 mph toward each other, the discussion centers on whether it's better for drivers to collide head-on or swerve into a concrete wall. The key consideration is that both collisions result in the same amount of kinetic energy loss. The conversation raises questions about the mathematical proof of outcomes using conservation of energy and momentum principles. Additionally, variations in mass or speed could alter the dynamics of the collisions, but the initial conditions suggest a straightforward conclusion. The overall consensus leans toward analyzing the physics to determine the safest option in such scenarios.
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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?
 
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staralfur said:
assume the same amount of KE is lost by your car in both collisions
Doesn't the above already answer the question?

 
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?
 
I saw this on a list of conceptual physics questions. Might be someone's schoolwork but not mine :)
 
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How can this be proven mathmatically. Can it be done using energy conservation and momentum conservation?
 

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