Force Problem with crash test car

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a crash test scenario where a car collides with a wall, and the motion of a dummy secured in the car is analyzed. The subject area includes concepts of force, impulse, and momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the importance of defining the system involved, whether to focus on the forces acting on the dummy or the car. There are suggestions to consider the concepts of impulse and momentum conservation as part of the approach to find the average force acting on the dummy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering different perspectives on how to approach the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the need to conceptualize the scenario and identify relevant physical principles, although no consensus has been reached on a specific method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of clearly identifying known variables and desired outcomes as part of their problem-solving process. There is an emphasis on understanding the dynamics of the crash test scenario.

am08
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A set of crash tests consists of running a test car moving at a speed of 11.4 meters/sec (26 mph) into a solid wall. Strapped securely in an advanced seat belt system, a 59kg (130 lbs) dummy is found to move a distance of 0.66 meters from the moment the car touches the wall to the time the car is stopped. Calculate the size of the average force which acts on the dummy during that time.

Where do I start?

And how do I calculate average force?
 
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You start by reading up a bit on impulse of a force.
 
You are going to need to define your system first. Are you looking at the forces on the Dummy or Car. Then you have to conceptualize why is going on, which system is accellerating, and when is this occurring. Then use conservation of momentum and the relationship with impulse momentum. From there you should be able to find the force acting on the dummy.

This is how I would approach the problem.
 
well i always start out by listing what i know about the situation, and then list what i want to know. That way i have a clear mind of what I am looking for, do that first and then attempt to solve it
 

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