Momentum and Collision with a seat belt

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on two physics problems related to momentum and collision. The first problem involves calculating the force exerted on a 12.0-kg child during a head-on collision at 60.0 mi/h, where the car stops in 0.0500 seconds. The conclusion is that the force exerted during this deceleration is significant enough to potentially tear the child from the arms of the adult holding them. The second problem addresses an elastic collision between two protons, where the final speeds of both protons are equal after the collision. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using the equations of motion and Newton's second law to derive the necessary calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically v=u+at
  • Basic knowledge of elastic collisions in physics
  • Conversion of units, particularly from miles per hour to meters per second
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of forces during collisions using F=ma
  • Learn about elastic and inelastic collisions in detail
  • Explore kinematic equations and their applications in real-world scenarios
  • Practice unit conversions, especially for speed and acceleration
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of collisions and the forces involved in rapid deceleration scenarios.

ankurx13
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Need some help, got a 50 question review packet of questions to finish and am having trouble with these 2. please and thank you:

1. A friend claims that as long as he has his seat belt on, he can hold on to a 12.0-kg child in a 60.0 mi/h head-on collision with a brick wall in which the car passenger compartment comes to a stop in 0.0500 s. Show that the violent force during the collision will tear the child from his arms.

2. A proton, moving with a velocity of vii, collides elastically with another proton that is initially at rest. If the two protons have equal speeds after the collision, find (a) the speed of each proton after the collision in terms of vi and (b) the direction of the velocity vectors after the collision.
 
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i would really appreciate some help guys.
 
ok so for question 1
what you want to figure out is the force exerted by the 12kg as it decelerates from 60->0 in.05 seconds

there is a formula that says
v=u+at
which means your final velocity is equal to your inital velocity plus acceleration multiplied by time
so knowing that your final velocity is zero and time is .05 you can work out "a"

be carefull because 60mph is about 100kmph which about 1700 m/minute
which is about 30 odd m/s [prob a bit less than that]

anyway point is you now have "a"
you also know the mass of the child which i'll call "m"

now you calculate the force required to produce this acceleration [or deceleration] for this mass.
F=ma

i'm guessing it would be like trying to lift a half ton. anyway your neck would probably break.
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