Which car has the greater deceleration rate?

In summary, the 2500 kg truck and the 1250 kg car, both traveling at the same speed in opposite directions, experience the same deceleration rate due to the principle of momentum conservation. However, since the cars stick together in the collision, the smaller car experiences a greater change in velocity and thus a greater average deceleration.
  • #1
theman12
2
0

Homework Statement


A 2500 kg truck collides into a 1250 kg car. Both cars were traveling the same speed in opposite directions. Which car has the greater deceleration rate?

2500 kg truck
1250 kg car
the same deceleration

Homework Equations



J=Pf-Pi=Ft


The Attempt at a Solution



i chose the same because a=v/t, and i thought theyd have the same delta v
 
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  • #2


Welcome to PF!

Assuming the cars stick together in the collision do you then know in which direction the combined wrecks travel right after collision? (hint: use momentum). From this information can you then conclude which car experience the greatest change in velocity and if this also corresponds to the greatest average deceleration? (hint: duration of collision is same for both cars, so greatest change in velocity equals greatest average deceleration).
 
  • #3


the cars would probably travel in the direction of the truck, so the smaller car would have the greater change in velocity.
 

1. What is deceleration rate?

Deceleration rate is the rate at which an object slows down or decreases in speed over time.

2. How is deceleration rate measured?

Deceleration rate is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s²) or miles per hour per second (mph/s).

3. Which car has the greater deceleration rate?

This depends on the specific cars being compared. It is not necessarily true that a larger or more expensive car will have a greater deceleration rate than a smaller or less expensive car.

4. What factors can affect a car's deceleration rate?

Some factors that can affect a car's deceleration rate include the condition of the brakes, the weight of the car, the type of tires, and the road surface.

5. How does deceleration rate impact driving and safety?

A car with a higher deceleration rate can come to a stop more quickly, which can be advantageous in emergency situations. However, a car with a very high deceleration rate can also be more difficult to control and may cause discomfort or injury to passengers. It is important for drivers to understand and be able to control their car's deceleration rate for safe driving.

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