Momentum and Car Design Flashcards
What is the formula for momentum?
Momentum (kgm/s) = Mass (kg) x Velocity (m/s)
How do you calculate the total momentum before a collision?
The momentum of object A + the momentum of object B
How do you calculate the velocity after a collision?
The total momentum ÷ the mass
Why do forces cause a change in momentum?
A larger force means a faster change of momentum
Why do the brakes of a car reduce the kinetic energy?
Because they transfer it into heat energy.
Why is a crumple zone useful?
The cars kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy as the car changes shape.
Crumple zones increase the impact of time.
Why are side impact bars useful?
They direct the kinetic energy of the crash away from the passengers to other areas of the car.
Why are seat belts useful?
They stretch slightly, increasing the time taken for the wearer to stop and reduces the forces acting in the chest.
Why are air bags useful?
Slow you down more gradually and prevent you from hitting hard surfaces inside the car.
