Collision Problem and Newton's 2nd Law

AI Thread Summary
Car bumpers that collapse on impact help protect drivers by increasing the time over which the collision occurs, thereby reducing the force experienced by the occupants, as described by Newton's 2nd Law (F = ma). The law of conservation of momentum (p = mv) also applies, as the bumper's design allows it to absorb energy during a crash. This energy conversion process transforms kinetic energy into elastic potential energy, further mitigating the impact. By extending the duration of the impact, the force acting on the car and its occupants is significantly decreased. Overall, the design of collapsible bumpers enhances safety during collisions.
lonelywizard
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How do car bumpers that collapse on impact help to protect a driver?

According to the law of conservation of momentum, p = mv.
Newton's 2nd Law is F = ma, or F = mv/t.
So as t increases, F would decrease, thus less force would be acting on the car at a given time interval.

Any suggestions and comments?:rolleyes:
 
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Yes, that's about it. You could also probably analyse it in terms of energy in the sense that the car bumper converts kinetic energy into elastic potential energy.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

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