Chapter 7, Problem 7Q

To determine

The advantage of the crumple zones in the car that collapse upon impact.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Momentum is product of mass and change of velocity. Impulse is the product of impact force and the time for which it is applied.

When collision of a car takes place with an outside object, there is larger change in momentum and therefore larger impulse. As impulse is large the force acting on the car is large, which may cause great damage to car’s passenger.

Due to use of crumple zone, change in momentum of car occurs for longer time. Thisresultsto reduce the force acting on the passengers and thus increase the chances of their survival during collision.

Conclusion:

Crumple zone increases the time of collision with the car, which reduces the outside force on the car.