Force of seat belt on person in when car collides into a piston

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average force exerted by a seat belt on a 70 kg person during a car collision that stops the vehicle from a speed of 20 m/s over a distance of 0.3 m. Utilizing Newton's second law and kinematic equations, participants emphasize the importance of understanding mechanics, particularly forces and motion. The average force can be determined by applying the formula F = ma, where 'm' is mass and 'a' is the deceleration calculated from the initial speed and stopping distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Newton's laws of motion
  • Kinematic equations
  • Basic principles of mechanics
  • Understanding of force and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate deceleration using the formula: a = (v^2 - u^2) / (2s)
  • Apply Newton's second law: F = ma to find the average force
  • Explore energy methods in mechanics, particularly work-energy principles
  • Review momentum concepts and their application in collision scenarios
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, automotive safety engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of collisions and the role of seat belts in vehicle safety.

HoanillaBean
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A car moving at 20 m/s runs into a piston that compresses air in a cylinder and stops the car at 0.3m. The 70kg person stops in the same distance because of the seat belt. Determine the average force of the seat belt on person during the stop and what assumptions did you make?


~we just learned about the ideal gas law and the equations: PV=nRT and F=PA. I'm guessing that these equations are somehow used for this equation. I don't even know where to begin with this.

Can anyone guide me?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is not a question on the ideal gas law, this is a question of force and acceleration under the general topic of mechanics-forces and motion. It involves Newton's laws, kinematics, energy methods, or momentum concepts. Are you familiar with any of these, and if so, please show an attempt.
 

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