Crash Acceleration: Calculate SUV's Rate of Change in Velocity

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the acceleration of a car that crashes into a concrete wall while initially moving at 12.5m/s. The formula Vf^2 = Vi^2 + 2ad is used, where Vf is the final velocity (0.0m/s), Vi is the initial velocity (12.5m/s), d is the distance (1.2m), and a is the acceleration, which is the unknown variable being solved for.
  • #1
simplekin93
5
0

Homework Statement


A person drives his SUV into a concrete wall. The car was initially moving East at 12.5m/s and the hood crumples a distance of 1.2m during the crash. What is the acceleration of the car during the crash? (don't forget directions when dealing with acceleration)

I don't even know where to begin.
 
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  • #2
What constant acceleration formulae do you know?
 
  • #3
almost all of them, i was given a big formula sheet that we are allowed to use in the test.
 
  • #4
So this is what we have:

initial velocity (12.5ms-1)
final velocity (0.0ms-1)
distance (1.2m)

What we need:

acceleration

What formula do you know that uses only these variables?
 
  • #5
Vf^2 = Vi^2 +2ad
 
  • #6
Perfect! Now we just need to re-arrange that formula and solve for a!
 

1. What is crash acceleration?

Crash acceleration refers to the rate at which a vehicle's velocity changes during a collision. It is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

2. How is crash acceleration calculated?

To calculate crash acceleration, you need to know the initial velocity (v0), final velocity (vf), and time (t) it takes for the vehicle to go from v0 to vf. The formula for calculating crash acceleration is a = (vf - v0) / t.

3. Why is it important to calculate a vehicle's crash acceleration?

Calculating a vehicle's crash acceleration can provide valuable information about the severity of a collision and the forces involved. This information is useful for designing and testing safety features in vehicles, as well as understanding the potential injuries that could occur in a crash.

4. How does the weight of an SUV impact its crash acceleration?

The weight of a vehicle can impact its crash acceleration, as a heavier vehicle will typically require more force to change its velocity compared to a lighter vehicle. However, other factors such as the vehicle's size, shape, and safety features also play a role in determining crash acceleration.

5. Are there any limitations to calculating a vehicle's crash acceleration?

Yes, there are some limitations to calculating a vehicle's crash acceleration. The formula assumes a constant acceleration, which may not be the case in a real-life collision. Additionally, other factors such as friction, air resistance, and the angle of impact may also affect the vehicle's rate of change in velocity.

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