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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jonathan Teas
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Impulse Momentum
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of head-on collisions between a compact car and a large truck, specifically addressing the forces, impulses, momentum changes, and accelerations experienced by each vehicle. According to Newton's Third Law, the forces exerted by both vehicles during the collision are equal and opposite. The impulse, defined as force multiplied by time, is the same for both vehicles, leading to equal changes in momentum. However, the acceleration differs due to the mass disparity, with the compact car experiencing greater acceleration than the truck.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Basic concepts of impulse and momentum
  • Knowledge of kinematics and acceleration
  • Familiarity with mass and its effect on force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's Laws of Motion in detail
  • Explore the relationship between mass, force, and acceleration
  • Learn about impulse and its calculation in collision scenarios
  • Investigate real-world applications of collision physics in automotive safety
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicle collisions.

Jonathan Teas
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
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...
 
Physics news on Phys.org


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
 

Similar threads

Ambiguous question on momentum and how it works...
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Solving a Head-on Collision: Qs 1-4
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Why is momentum conservation always true in a collision?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Elastic collision of block on block
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Potential Energy - 2D inelastic collision - ballistic pendulum
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Cars Collide on a Hill, Conservation of Momentum
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Newton's Second Law: Understanding Forces, Masses, and Acceleration
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Two-dimensional perfectly inelastic collision between two vehicles
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Solving Elastic Collision of Two Balls: Theory & Solutions
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Impulse exerted on car during collision
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K