Why does rebounding cause more damage than sticking together in a collision?

[Meowserkitty]

Homework Statement

Consider a head-on collision between two people. The damage done to each person is far greater if the people rebound upon impact versus sticking together upon impact. Why? Discuss in terms of impulse/change in momentum.

Homework Equations

Momentum = (mass x Volume of 1st person)(Massx Volume of second person)

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm pretty lost.

 

[Simon Bridge]

You have been doing work on collisions in class.
What conservation law do you normally use?

 

[Meowserkitty]

That Momentum is always conserved

 

[lozzajp]

If they rebound then they will encounter a second collision with the floor.

 

[Simon Bridge]

That Momentum is always conserved

Fine - so how would you normally use this law?