Force & Motion Homework: How to Calculate Force from Restricted Motion

In summary, the problem involves finding the magnitude of force acting on a passenger's upper torso, given that the car is traveling at 48 km/h and the passenger is brought to rest by an inflated air bag after moving forward 53 cm. The suggested approach is to use conservation of energy, as the car has kinetic energy and work is done in moving the passenger into the air bag. However, the concept of kinetic energy has not been covered in class, so further research is needed to determine the correct approach.
  • #1
tjbateh
86
0

Homework Statement


A car traveling at 48 km/h hits a bridge abutment. A passenger in the car moves forward a distance of 53 cm (with respect to the road) while being brought to rest by an inflated air bag. What magnitude of force (assumed constant) acts on the passenger's upper torso, which has a mass of 40 kg?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Can somebody please help me with an approach to this type of problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Try using conservation of energy. The car has kinetic energy and when it hits, work is done in moving the passenger 53cm into the air-bag.
 
  • #3
Hmm, we have not gone over kinetic energy in class yet. I'll read up on it, and post an approach and see if it's right.
 

1. What is force?

Force is a physical quantity that describes the interaction between two objects. It can be defined as any push or pull on an object that causes it to accelerate or change its state of motion.

2. How is force measured?

Force is measured in units called Newtons (N). One Newton is equal to the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared (1 kg*m/s^2).

3. How do you calculate force?

Force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of an object by its acceleration. The formula for force is F=ma, where F represents force, m represents mass, and a represents acceleration.

4. What is restricted motion?

Restricted motion refers to the limitation of an object's movement in a particular direction or along a specific path. This can be caused by factors such as friction, gravity, or external forces acting on the object.

5. How do you calculate force from restricted motion?

To calculate force from restricted motion, you need to first determine the net force acting on the object. This can be done by considering all the external forces acting on the object and their respective directions. Then, use the formula F=ma to calculate the force, where m is the mass of the object and a is the acceleration determined from the net force.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
6K
Back
Top