During a head on collision between two automobiles, the occupants are decelerated rapidly. Use the idea of work to explain why a air bag that quickly inflates in front of an occupant reduces the likelihood of injury.

Question

theeric · Answer

Work is a change in energy, I think. To stop the occupant, there is a set amount of work to be done to take away all of that occupant's kinetic energy. That work is
$W=F\cdot d\approx F\ d$

Work, $W$, will be the same no matter what.
So, if the distance along which the stopping force acts ($d$) is greater, because it is traveled through as the occupant goes into the airbag, then the force ($F$) must be lesser.

If you hit your head on something hard, you the force $F$ is in a short distance $d$, and so, with that constant $W$, the $F$ must be greater.

theeric · Answer

Any questions?

anonymous · Answer

no i dont think so! thank you! :)

theeric · Answer

You're welcome!