Stumped: How to Calculate Force of Car-Wall Collision

In summary, the conversation is discussing how to calculate the force exerted by a 1000-kg car traveling at 15 m/s when it collides with a brick wall and comes to a stop in 0.2 seconds. The formula F = ma is used, as well as the fact that a = (vf-vi)/t. The final answer is 75,000N.
  • #1
courtney1121
68
0
I am completely stumped on this one...

Imagine that in a movie chase scene, the director wants a 1000-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to run head-on into a brick wall without knocking over the wall. If the wall brings the car to rest in about 0.2s, roughly what force will the car exert on the wall during the collision?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
We know that [tex]F = ma[/tex] and we are after [tex]F[/tex] and know the mass [tex]m[/tex] (1000kg). So we need to find the acceleration [tex]a[/tex] (which in this case is actually slowing the car down) - and we can find this from our formulas. We know the initial velocity and the final velocity - and the time it takes to change from these different speeds.

From this the answer should present itself. If not, please explain where you are stuck.
 
  • #3
courtney1121 said:
I am completely stumped on this one...

Imagine that in a movie chase scene, the director wants a 1000-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to run head-on into a brick wall without knocking over the wall. If the wall brings the car to rest in about 0.2s, roughly what force will the car exert on the wall during the collision?
Adding to what HalfMan said, remember that, assuming constant acceleration, [itex]a=v/\Delta t[/itex].
 
  • #4
ok so I can just use F = m (vf-vi/tf-ti)?

With that equation, I got 75,000N.
 
  • #5
That looks good.
 

FAQ: Stumped: How to Calculate Force of Car-Wall Collision

1. How can I calculate the force of a car-wall collision?

To calculate the force of a car-wall collision, you can use the formula F= m x a, where F is the force, m is the mass of the car, and a is the acceleration. You will also need to know the velocity of the car before the collision and the time it took for the car to come to a complete stop after the collision.

2. What is the difference between force and impact?

Force and impact are related but are not the same thing. Force is a push or pull on an object, while impact is the effect that a force has on an object. In the context of a car-wall collision, the force would be the force exerted on the wall by the car, while the impact would be the damage caused to the car and the wall.

3. Can the force of a car-wall collision be completely avoided?

In most cases, it is not possible to completely avoid the force of a car-wall collision. However, measures such as proper driving techniques, following speed limits, and installing safety features in cars and on roads can help reduce the force of a collision.

4. How does the mass of the car affect the force of a collision?

The mass of the car directly affects the force of a collision. The greater the mass of the car, the greater the force it will exert on the wall upon impact. This is why it is important to consider the weight of a car when designing safety features and building roads.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the force of a car-wall collision?

In addition to the mass, velocity, and time, there are other factors that can affect the force of a car-wall collision. These include the angle of impact, the materials and structures involved, and any external forces such as friction or air resistance. Weather conditions and road conditions can also play a role in the force of a collision.

Similar threads

Replies
38
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
1K
Back
Top