What average force is it brought to rest?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The average force required to bring a 1000 kg car traveling at 14 m/s to a stop in 0.08 seconds is calculated to be 175,000 N. This is derived using the formula F = mv/t, where m is the mass, v is the velocity, and t is the time. The average acceleration during the crash is determined to be 175 m/s², which is approximately 18 times the acceleration due to gravity. This calculation highlights the significant forces involved in automotive crash tests.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with basic physics equations involving force, mass, and acceleration
  • Knowledge of units of measurement for mass (kg), velocity (m/s), and force (N)
  • Ability to perform calculations involving scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of crash test forces on vehicle design and safety standards
  • Learn about the principles of momentum and impulse in physics
  • Explore advanced topics in automotive safety testing methodologies
  • Investigate the effects of different materials on crash force absorption
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, safety analysts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicle crash tests and safety measures.

missashley
Messages
34
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Auto companies frequently test the safety of automobiles by putting them through crash tests to observe the integrity of the passenger compartment. If a 1000. kg car is sent toward a cement wall with a speed of 14 m/s and the impact brings it to a stop in 8.00 * 10^-2 seconds, with what average force is it brought to rest?

Homework Equations



F = mv/t

The Attempt at a Solution



F = mv/t = (1000*14)/(8e-2) = 175000 N
 
Physics news on Phys.org
missashley said:
F = mv/t = (1000*14)/(8e-2) = 175000 N

There you have it! The average acceleration during the simulated crash is the change in velocity (14 - 0 m/sec) divided by the time interval over which it occurred (0.08 sec) or 175 m/(sec^2) , which is almost 18 times the acceleration of gravity. The average force on the car is then its mass times that average acceleration or

175 m/(sec^2) · 1000 kg = 175,000 N (or almost 18 times the car's weight).
 
Thats right.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K