What Happens When a Bug Collides with a Big Rig Windshield?

AI Thread Summary
The collision between the bug and the big rig windshield is classified as an inelastic collision, as the bug is destroyed upon impact. While mechanical energy is not conserved due to its conversion into heat and sound, momentum is also not conserved in this scenario because the bug is significantly smaller than the rig. Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, meaning the bug exerts a force on the windshield equal to the force the windshield exerts back on the bug. Understanding these principles helps clarify the dynamics of such collisions. This analysis highlights the differences in energy and momentum conservation in inelastic collisions.
alexc1ut
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A bug flies into the windshield of a big rig that is traveling on the freeway. What type of collision is this? Is momentum conserved? Is energy conserved? What force does the bug exert on the windshield (make a statement about Newton’s 3rd Law)?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


- I know that this is an inelastic collision because the bug goes splat. Energy is conserved because the mechanical energy is converted to heat or sound. I don't think momentum is conserved. I need help with Newton's 3rd law
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
alexc1ut said:

The Attempt at a Solution


You will need to post this before we can help you.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Kinetic energy and momentum of two satellites colliding
Replies
8
Views
3K
Why doesn't Newtons third law also apply to the frame?
Replies
2
Views
2K
What force causes a body to move into the windshield when a car suddenly stops?
Replies
3
Views
1K
How does Newton's 3rd law apply in this case?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Problem with when to use Force and Energy. What compresses spring/
Replies
3
Views
1K
What happens to a light photon when it hits glass?
Replies
9
Views
2K
What is the meaning of equation: M = ∑mi
Replies
2
Views
1K
When is Energy/Momentum/Angular Momentum really conserved?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Inelastic and elastic collision (please explain)
Replies
1
Views
1K
What force propels the runner forward?
Replies
1
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top