How Do Relative Velocities Affect Collision Impact?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of relative velocities and their impact on collision outcomes. It establishes that the impact and damage from collisions between two identical cars are consistent regardless of their speeds, as motion is relative. Specifically, the example compares car A traveling at 110 km/h and car B at 120 km/h with car A at 30 km/h and car B at 40 km/h, concluding that the relative speeds can be adjusted to demonstrate equivalent impacts. This principle is rooted in the fundamental concept of relativity in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly Newtonian mechanics.
  • Familiarity with the principle of relativity.
  • Knowledge of reference frames in motion analysis.
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculating speeds and impacts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Newtonian mechanics and their applications in collision analysis.
  • Study the theory of relativity, focusing on how it applies to motion and reference frames.
  • Explore the mathematical models used to calculate collision impacts based on relative velocities.
  • Investigate real-world applications of collision physics in automotive safety design.
USEFUL FOR

Engineering students, physics enthusiasts, and professionals in automotive safety and design will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in understanding the implications of relative motion in collision scenarios.

Bahaa Azzam
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Hello.

Out of nowhere i started wondering about relativity, I got some question that made me curios.

If we have 2 cars on the road, car A moving at speed 110, car B moving at speed 120 , if car B touched ( hit or tagged ) car A.
Will it be the same impact or the damage done if car A was at speed 30 and car B at speed 40 ?
Considering the two cars are identical.

Im just a second year engineering student, didn't study much physics yet.
 
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The answer is yes. In both cases you could choose a reference frame where one car had speed zero and the other car speed 10.

Motion is relative. There is no such thing as absolute speed.
 
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