Motion & Force: Calculate Force from Car Collision w/ Abutment

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To calculate the force acting on a passenger during a car collision with a bridge abutment, the initial speed of the car is 48 km/h, and the passenger moves forward 53 cm while being stopped by an airbag. The problem can be solved using constant acceleration equations to determine the acceleration, given the initial and final speeds along with the distance traveled. Once the acceleration is found, the force can be calculated using Newton's second law, F = ma, where the mass of the passenger is 40 kg. This approach avoids the need for kinetic energy equations. The discussion emphasizes using basic physics principles to solve the problem effectively.
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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


Any idea how to solve this without using kinetic energy equations?
 
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tjbateh said:
… Any idea how to solve this without using kinetic energy equations?

Hi tjbateh! :wink:

You have an initial speed, a final speed, and a distance, so use one of the constant acceleration equations to find the acceleration …

then use F = ma. :smile:
 
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