2007-10-31 10:25:05 · 7 answers · asked by alik_det 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
If you ever go to a demolition derby, you will see tthat the lighter cars fall apart faster.
2007-10-31 10:33:16 · answer #1 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) It is not safer.
If you happen to take a look at accidents with Formula 1 cars at 200mph, you will see that the safety is only a matter of the construction of the passenger cell, not the total mass. Try surviving at 200mph in your Hummer when you hit that bridge. Yet, a couple of people can pick that lightweight Formula 1 passenger cell up and carry at away.
2) The force is proportional to the mass times the acceleration. If you stop from the same speed in the same amount of time (which the concrete wall will make sure of), the force will be proportional to the mass. Being more massive does not help.
Sorry. The question is nonsensical.
2007-10-31 17:49:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cars aren't rigid objects. Every crumpled piece of the body and frame absorbed some of the energy of the crash, leaving less energy to be absorbed by the driver and passengers. That's also why the cost of accidents in terms of car repairs has skyrocketed while fatalities and injuries per car wreck has decreased.
The old cars from the 50's/60's were like tanks - they didn't sustain nearly as much damage as new cars. Of course, the entire car coming to an immediate stop also tended to send the driver and passengers right through the windshield or impaled on the steering wheel (seatbelts weren't very common and air bags hadn't even been invented).
2007-10-31 17:35:50 · answer #3 · answered by Bob G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the more massive the car, the more area for the force has to dissapate within. by the time you recieve the blow from a crash most of the energy is gone. it also spreads the force out over the car. as well as that, cars are made with specific 'crumple zones' that are made to crumple up, almost like a tin can. these areas absorb much of the force from a crash. with a bigger car there is a bigger crumple zone, allowing more area for the force to be absorbed. also, in a bigger car there is alot of material that absorbs alot of force. with a smaller car you are closer to the source of the energy of another vehicle crashing into you. this means that the force is greater when it gets to you. i could keep going with a more elaborate explanation, but i am out of time.
2007-10-31 17:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by undisclosed name 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bigger car is more massive and can withstand more impact.
Its not the force that crushes a car. Its the momentum. Which relies on the mass and the velocity of the object. That is why, when you drive at a constant speed, therefore undergoing no acceleration, and therefore no force, your car can still easily be crushed if you get in an accident.
2007-10-31 17:29:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Force = mass * acceleration.
If F is equal in both cases, and m1 > m2 (m1 more massive), then:
F = m1 * a1
F = m2 * a2
The only other thing that changes is the acceleration on the masses. a1 will be less than a2. Less acceleration means less energy felt by the passengers.
.
2007-10-31 17:30:38 · answer #6 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The force may be the same, but the resistance is different. If you envision slamming a hammer into a coke can vs. a metal pipe, you get the idea.
2007-10-31 17:31:19 · answer #7 · answered by Linda R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋