Q7Q According to Eq. 7–4, the long... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 7: Q7Q (page 170)

According to Eq. 7–4, the longer the impact time of an impulse, the smaller the force can be for the same momentum change, and hence the smaller the deformation of the object on which the force acts. On this basis, explain the value of air bags, which are intended to inflate during an automobile collision and reduce the possibility of fracture or death.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The airbags will reduce the amount of force exerted on the occupants inside the car by increasing the impact time.

Step by step solution

Understanding the impulse-momentum equation

Equation 7-4 can be written as:

\(F\Delta t = \Delta p\)

Here, Fis the net force,\(\Delta t\)is the time interval, and\(\Delta p\)is the change in momentum.

According to this equation, the change in momentum on a system equals force multiplied by time. If we increase the time of impact, the force reduces.

Explanation of the importance of airbags in automobile

The airbags in an automobile increase the time of impact from the moment of the accident to when a person collides with the interior of the automobile.This increase in time can reduce the magnitude of the impact force that a person has to wear. Hence, the amount of force acting over a long period of time is smaller. Therefore, it minimizes the possibility of fracture or death.