Elementary question on car crashes and momentum

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SUMMARY

In a car crash, the initial momentum of the vehicles is conserved, yet they come to a stop due to the forces acting upon them during the collision. The kinetic energy is transformed into other forms, primarily resulting in damage to the vehicles, which does not affect the conservation of momentum. Understanding the relationship between momentum and kinetic energy is crucial in analyzing such scenarios. The discussion emphasizes the importance of visualizing momentum through vector representation to clarify these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically momentum and kinetic energy.
  • Familiarity with vector representation in physics.
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion.
  • Ability to analyze forces acting on objects during collisions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of momentum conservation in inelastic collisions.
  • Learn about the transformation of kinetic energy during car crashes.
  • Study vector diagrams to visualize momentum and forces in collisions.
  • Explore Newton's laws of motion and their application in real-world scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of car crashes and the principles of momentum conservation.

Matt G
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When two cars crash into one another they generally come to a stop, yet we are told momentum cannot be created or destroyed. Where did their momentum go? It seems like the kinetic energy went into the damage in the vehicles but apparently that has nothing to do with momentum?.

Thanks Matt
 
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Can you write down their initial momentum? What forces are acting on the cars and what effect might they have on the momentum of the cars?
 
Sorry but it would just confuse me if I did. It seems like an abstract question and not one about a particular case
 
Google "momentum of an object" and it will help you see the relationship
 
Matt G said:
yet we are told momentum cannot be created or destroyed.
Under specified conditions.
 
Matt G said:
Sorry but it would just confuse me if I did. It seems like an abstract question and not one about a particular case
If you insist on accounting for the lost momentum, this is the most meangful way of doing it.
 
Draw it as vectors and it becomes clear...
 
Matt G said:
Sorry but it would just confuse me if I did. It seems like an abstract question and not one about a particular case
It may confuse you, but we can work through that. The point here is to help you solve the problem.
 

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