Question

During a car accident on the NJ Turnpike, the airbags deploy. A 79 kg passenger traveling at 32 m/s makes impact with the airbag over a time of 0.25 seconds. What
was the impact force experienced by the passenger?

Answer 1

Hi there!

Recall that:

Impulse = Δ in momentum = mΔv

Impulse = Force · time

Begin by calculating the change in momentum, or impulse.

I = mΔv = m(vf - vi)

I = (79)(0 - 32) = -2528 Ns

Now, we can use the equation relating force and time to impulse.

I = Ft

Rearrange for time:

I/F = t

-2528/0.25 = -10112 N

**OR, if magnitude ⇒ |-10112| = 10112 N