Question

Use concepts of momentum and impulse to explain how seat belts keep you alive during car Collison.

Answer 1

A moderate amount of stretch in a seatbelt harness can extend the stopping distance and reduce the average impact force on the driver compared to a non-stretching harness. If the belt stretched 0.5 ft in the example car crash scenario, it would reduce the deceleration to 20 g's and the average impact force to 3200 lb compared to 30 g's and 4800 lb for a non-stretching seatbelt. Either a stretching or non-stretching seat belt reduces the impact force compared to no seatbelt.

Since, Impulse is equal to change in momentum, Impulse = mv -mu = Force x Time

So, Due to seat belts this time of impact will be more, which in course decreases force acting on the person.

answered by: anonymous