What factors determine the acceleration of vehicles in a head-on collision?

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In a head-on collision between a compact car and a large truck, both vehicles experience equal forces of impact due to Newton's Third Law, which states that forces are equal and opposite. The impulse, defined as force multiplied by time, is also the same for both vehicles since they are in contact for the same duration. Consequently, both vehicles undergo the same change in momentum, as impulse is equivalent to change in momentum according to Newton's Second Law. However, the acceleration differs because acceleration is inversely related to mass; the lighter compact car will experience greater acceleration than the heavier truck. Understanding these principles of physics is crucial for analyzing vehicle collisions.
Jonathan Teas
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Hello,
I am taking a college level physics course and have a question.
Heres the question...
"Acompact car and a large truck have a head-on collision. Durring the collision, which vehical, if either, experiences:"
a. the greater force of impact? please explain
b. the greater impulse? please explain
c. the greater change in momentum? please explain
d. the greater acceleration? please explain
I did the answers myself and got all but one wrong...i know that there all equal except d, but i don't know why. I looked in the book and i didnt like there explanation and my teacher i can't speak to for another 3 days so I would greately appreciate it if this was answered...
 
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Newton's 3rd Law tells us that the force of A on B is equal (but opposite in direction) to the force of B on A.
The time it takes the objects to stop is the same for both as they are mutually in contact with each other for the same time.
Impulse is force times time so they must have the same impulse.
Impulse is equal to change in momentum (Newton's 2nd Law) so they must both experience the same change in momentum.
 


Thank you:
Newtons laws can explain anything in kinamatics lol
 

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