Calculating the Speed of a Sports Car in a Collision

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In summary, a sports car weighing 910kg collided into the rear end of a 3000kg SUV, both cars skidding forward 2.8m before stopping. The police officer estimated the coefficient of kinetic friction between the tires and road to be 0.80 and calculated the speed of the sports car at impact. Conservation of momentum was used to calculate the initial speed, and one of the standard constant acceleration equations was used to determine the final speed.
  • #1
azzs
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A 910-{\rm kg} sports car collides into the rear end of a 3000-{\rm kg} SUV stopped at a red light. The bumpers lock, the brakes are locked, and the two cars skid forward 2.8 {\rm m} before stopping. The police officer, estimating the coefficient of kinetic friction between tires and road to be 0.80, calculates the speed of the sports car at impact.
What was that speed in m/s?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi azzs! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Use conservation of momentum for the inital speed, and then use one of the standard constant acceleration equations.

Show us what you get. :smile:
 

1. How is the speed of a sports car calculated in a collision?

The speed of a sports car in a collision is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the car during the collision by the time it took for the collision to occur. This calculation is known as average speed and is expressed in units of distance per time (e.g. miles per hour).

2. What factors affect the speed of a sports car in a collision?

The speed of a sports car in a collision can be affected by a variety of factors such as the initial speed of the car, the mass and velocity of the other object involved in the collision, and the coefficient of friction between the car and the surface it is colliding with.

3. Can the speed of a sports car in a collision be accurately determined?

While the speed of a sports car in a collision can be calculated using the above mentioned method, it may not always be accurate due to factors such as human error, environmental conditions, and the complexity of the collision itself. Other methods such as using video analysis or data from crash tests may provide more accurate results.

4. How does the speed of a sports car in a collision affect the severity of the crash?

The speed of a sports car in a collision can greatly impact the severity of the crash. The higher the speed, the greater the force of impact, which can result in more damage to both the car and its occupants. This is why it is important for drivers to always obey speed limits and maintain a safe speed while driving.

5. Are there any safety measures that can reduce the speed of a sports car in a collision?

There are several safety measures that can help reduce the speed of a sports car in a collision, such as airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones. These features are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of impact, thereby reducing the speed and force of the collision. Additionally, following traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits can also help prevent collisions and reduce their severity.

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