A 1500 kg car moving with a speed of 20 m/s collides with a utility pole and is brought to rest in 0.30 s. Find the magnitude of the average force exerted on the car during the collision.

Question

Physics

Raul Francis

31 July, 21:22

A 1500 kg car moving with a speed of 20 m/s collides with a utility pole and is brought to rest in 0.30 s. Find the magnitude of the average force exerted on the car during the collision.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Jovanni Lam · Answer 1

-100000 N.

Explanation:

Force: This can be defined as the product of the mass of a body and it's acceleration. The S. I unit of Force is Newton (N). The Formula of force is given as,

F = ma ... Equation 1

Where F = Average force exerted on the car, m = mass of the car, acceleration of the car, a = acceleration of the car.

a = (v-u) / t ... Equation 2

Where v = Final velocity, u = Initial velocity, t = time.

Substitute equation 2 into equation 1

F = m (v-u) / t ... Equation 3

Given: m = 1500 kg, u = 20 m/s, v = 0 m/s (brought to rest), t = 0.3 s.

Substitute into equation 3

F = 1500 (0-20) / 0.3

F = 1500 (-20) / 0.3

F = - 100000 N.

Note: The negative sign is due to the fact that the force exerted on the car by the pole is equal and opposite the force of the car.