Newons laws on calculating force upon impact.

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    Force Impact Laws
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force of impact between two colliding objects of different masses, as well as understanding the implications of crumple zones, momentum, and energy changes during the collision. The scope includes theoretical and conceptual aspects of physics related to collisions and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the formula F=ma to calculate the force of each object on impact, suggesting that the combined force can be found by adding the individual forces calculated from their masses and velocities.
  • Another participant points out that for two objects to come to a complete rest after a collision, their masses must be equal, raising a question about the scenario presented.
  • A different participant introduces the concept that the impact duration affects the force calculation, suggesting that force can be calculated using the change in momentum over the change in time (f = Δp / Δt).
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding about the nature of impact, clarifying that the objects do not come to a complete stop and that they have different masses.
  • Another participant argues that if the impact is considered instantaneous, the force could be infinite, challenging the notion of how impact should be conceptualized.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions of the collision, particularly regarding whether the objects can come to a complete rest and how the duration of impact affects force calculations. There is no consensus on these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the nature of the impact, the implications of crumple zones, and the definitions of momentum and energy changes in this context.

hed54
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I am currently trying to work out if two objects,
of given mass X and Y, (given in KG)
are both traveling toward each other at Zmps,
and collide head on, and come to a complete rest.
how do i find the force of each object on impact. Without taking into account air resisitance.
I'm aware of the formula
F=ma
does this then mean simply

X*Z= A Newtons
Y*Z= B Newtons
A+B= combined force of two vehicles

If so, Given that the two objects are Cars & have a crumple zone of 1.3m how will this affect my calculation.

Also, how do i calculate change in momentum, and change in energy of each vehicle?
any help appreciated as i am baffled.
 
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hed54 said:
given mass X and Y, (given in KG)
are both traveling toward each other at Zmps,
and collide head on, and come to a complete rest.
By conservation of momentum this will only happen if X=Y. Do you want them to come to a complete rest, or do you want them to have different masses?
 
hed54 said:
how do i find the force of each object on impact.

The impact will take some small amount of time to happen, it doesn't occur instantaneously. The force will depend on how long this takes.

f = Δp / Δt
 
forgive my earlier mistake, they do not come to a complete stop, they do have different masses. And i though that impact is an instant not a event over a period of time.
 
hed54 said:
i though that impact is an instant not a event over a period of time.
In the case of an instantaneous impact the force is infinite.
 

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