An automobile is designed with safety features that work to increase the time ov

Question

An automobile is designed with safety features that work to increase the time over which the change in momentum occurs in the event of a collision. Which of the following design features would not contribute to reducing a passenger’s impulse during a collision?

A) A heavily padded dashboard

B) A front end that collapses during a collision

C) A steering column that collapses during a collision

D) An airbag that fills rapidly and stays rigid after expansion

The answer is D, with this explanation: "Although designed to fill rapidly, airbags are also designed to leak after their expansion. This feature gives the passenger a greater distance (and, consequently, a greater amount of time) to distribute the forces associated with the collision."

However, I had thought that a passenger's impulse couldn't be reduced in a collision and so the question didn't make sense to me. What is the question saying? Is it wrong, or can impulse really be reduced in a collision?

Explanation / Answer

Dear Student, I am just writing a simple equation -

Impulse = Change in momentum = (delta P) / T

Secondly, please note that, impulse is a force. And this is THE FORCE, a person experienced during collision or accident.

Now, I ask a question -

How the magnitude of the force can be reduced?

Of-course by increasing the value of T, because it is in the denominator side.

Now, the design of airbag is so that it fills rapidly...................... and ultimately its effect is to increase the time of change of momentum of the person sitting on the car.

So, the correct option is (D).

I hope, you understand this. In case of any confusion, please write me.

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