Understanding Newton's Second Law: How to Calculate Average Force in a Car Crash

In summary, Newton's Second Law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to its mass. This law is important because it helps us understand the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, and is used in various scientific fields. Real-life examples of this law include pushing a shopping cart, riding a bike, and throwing a ball. It is closely related to Newton's First and Third Laws, and can be applied in experiments by manipulating variables to observe their effect on acceleration.
  • #1
tenchick19
6
0
I have absolutely no idea how to do this problem and I need help with steps, formulas/equations, etc. So, here it goes!

David Purley, a racing driver, survived deceleration from 173 km/h to 0 km/h over a distance of 0.660 m when his car crashed. Assume that Purley's mass is 70 kg. What is the average force acting on him during the crash? Compare this force to Purley's weight.

Please help! Thanks! :bugeye:
 
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  • #2
This is an impulse question. What do you know about impulse? You'll have to show some work before we can help you.
 

What is Newton's Second Law?

Newton's Second Law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to its mass. In simpler terms, the greater the force applied to an object, the greater its acceleration will be, and the more mass an object has, the less it will accelerate.

Why is it important?

Newton's Second Law is important because it helps us understand the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. It is a fundamental law of physics and is used in many scientific fields, including engineering, astronomy, and mechanics.

What are some real-life examples of Newton's Second Law?

Some examples of Newton's Second Law in action include pushing a shopping cart, riding a bike, and throwing a ball. In each of these situations, the force applied to the object (the cart, bike, or ball) determines how much it accelerates.

How is Newton's Second Law related to the other laws of motion?

Newton's Second Law is closely related to Newton's First Law, also known as the law of inertia. It explains why objects stay at rest or in motion unless acted upon by an external force. It is also related to Newton's Third Law, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

How can I use Newton's Second Law in my own experiments?

You can use Newton's Second Law in your own experiments by measuring and analyzing the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. This can be done by changing one variable while keeping the others constant, and observing how it affects the acceleration of an object. You can also use it to design and test different machines and devices.

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