Car Crash Physics

A 2,000-kilogram SUV collides with a solid bridge pillar with a mass of 150,000 kilograms. Which statement regarding the collision is correct?

• the bridge pillar and SUV experience the same size of force

• the bridge pillar and SUV experience the same acceleration

• the bridge pillar and SUV have the same weight

• the bridge pillar and SUV have the same mass

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NGSS.MS-PS2-1

Assuming all have the same stiffness, which crush zone on a vehicle would provide the greatest protection to occupants during a collision?

• short

• medium

• long

• all three would provide about equal protection

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-PS2-3

For a given crush zone length, which crush zone stiffness would result in the smallest body acceleration of a vehicle occupant for a given collision?

• soft

• medium

• stiff

• all three would produce about the same body acceleration

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-3

A given vehicle has the same stiffness of the crush zone. Which crush zone length would result in the longest crash duration?

• short

• medium

• long

• all three would have about the same crash duration

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

Which is an example of Newton's Third Law of Motion in a car crash?

• The car crumples without any force being applied.

• The car and the object exert equal and opposite forces on each other during the crash.

• The car accelerates away from the crash site.

• Passengers continue moving forward when the car stops suddenly.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Which is an example of Newton's First Law in a car crash?

• The airbags deploy to protect the passengers.

• Passengers continue moving forward when the car stops suddenly.

• Passengers are safely restrained by seatbelts.

• The car and the object exert equal and opposite forces on each other during the crash.

Seat belts are a safety feature most related to which of Newton's Laws of Motion?

• Newton's First Law of Motion

• Law of Universal Gravitation

• Newton's Third Law of Motion

• Newton's Second Law of Motion

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NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS2-3

Why is it important to lengthen the time of impact in a car crash?

• It increases the speed of the vehicle during a crash.

• It reduces the force experienced by occupants, minimizing injuries.

• It makes the car more likely to roll over.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-3

In a car crash, which of the following best describes the role of crumple zones?

• They increase the force of impact.

• They decrease the time of impact.

• They absorb energy to reduce the force on occupants.

• They prevent the car from rolling over.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-3

Which physical principle explains why passengers continue moving forward in a car crash when not wearing seatbelts?

• Newton's First Law of Motion

• Newton's Second Law of Motion

• Newton's Third Law of Motion

• Law of Universal Gravitation