Comparing Forces in Car Collisions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing forces experienced by two cars during collisions, specifically focusing on scenarios where one car is in motion and the other is stationary or moving at different velocities. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, particularly Newton's laws of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of Newton's 3rd Law in the context of car collisions, questioning how the velocities and states of motion of the cars affect the forces experienced. There is an attempt to clarify whether the forces are equal or if one car experiences a greater force based on its motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in clarifying the application of Newton's 3rd Law. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equality of forces, but questions remain about the relevance of velocity and direction in determining the forces experienced by each car.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the effects of motion and direction on force, with some uncertainty about how these factors interact in the context of collision scenarios.

JL-Wsixx
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Homework Statement


1. A red car with a velocity of 20mph north collides with a blue car that is stopped at a stoplight. On which car is the force greater?

2. A red car with a velocity of 25mph north collides with a blue car with a velocity of 15 mph north. Which one feels a greater force?

3. A red car traveling at 25 mph north collides with a blue car traveling at 15mph south. Which car experiences the greater force?




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi JL-Wsixx! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Tell us what you think, and then we'll comment :smile:
 
What does Newton's 3rd Law say?
 
Well, for #1 I think that the red car would have a greater force being that it's in motion with a v=20 mph and not a standstill like the blue car which has a net force=0.

For #2, again I think that the red car has a greater force because its velocity is greater than the blue car same as with problem 3.

Newton's 3rd law says that when one object exerts a force on a second object, the second exerts an equal and oppositely directed force on the first.

So does this mean that there force are the same?
 
JL-Wsixx said:
Newton's 3rd law says that when one object exerts a force on a second object, the second exerts an equal and oppositely directed force on the first.

So does this mean that there force are the same?

erm … yes! :smile:
 
So, the red cars greater velocity or the directions of the cars doesn't come into affect?
 
Correct. :smile:
 
Cool, thanks :)
 

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