When an automobile crashes, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted to he

Question

When an automobile crashes, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted to heat, crushed metal, injury, and death. From what you have seen (in real life and in movies), consider two crashes, one at 35 mph, and another at 70 mph. Is it plausible that a crash of the faster automobile is 4 times worse? What other factors besides speed could affect the outcome of the crash? Airplane velocities are typically 600 mph except during take-off and landing, when they are closer to 150 mph. Does the kinetic equation explain why there are few survivors in an airplane crash?

Explanation / Answer

given that : v2 = 70 mph = 2 v1 = 2 x 35 = 70 mph

kinetic energy is given as

KE = (0.5) m v2

so we see that the kinetic energy is directly propotional to the square of the speed. so when we have the speed as twice , the kinetic energy is four times.This is why the crash is 4 times worse

mass of the body and physical structure of body undergoing the crash also affects the outcome of the crash.

In airplane there are few survivors because with the kinetic energy converting to heat energy , the airplane catch fire and in most cases, there is blast in the fuel. this minimizes the chances of survival

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