Momentum - Safety
Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.3.5
Momentum and Safety
If an object which has a lot of momentum is made to stop suddenly, then a large force is required because of the change in momentum.
Safety features
- Cars have safety features such as seat belts, air bags and crumple zones that absorb the kinetic energy transferred by collisions.
- These features reduce injuries to the people in the car by absorbing energy when they change shape.
- They increase the time taken for the change in momentum to happen, reducing the forces involved.
Test yourself on Momentum - Safety
Safety features of a car
How do safety features in a car reduce the force felt by a person in a crash?