Once and for all!

[LubeDude]

Two cars travelling on the freeway at the same speed hit head on, Is the impact where the two cars meet the same as if each one hit a brick wall, or double that force? Ive heard it both ways.<br /><br />We have all seen the swinging balls desk gizmo, the ball bounces back the same distance whether you lift both end balls back and let them go as if you just lift one ball and let it go. Sure seems it would be double the force though.

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: Once and for all!

The force is doubled because of the inertia of each vehicle, whereas a stationary wall has no inertia.

 

[eeboater]

Re: Once and for all!

Yeah, I think the force would be calculated by the total speed of the two cars combined. So 1 car going 50 and another car going 50 would be like running into a wall at 100 mph.<br /><br />Sean

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: Once and for all!

I think I will go cut my grass...

 

[dolluper]

Re: Once and for all!

Send he's got more time

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Once and for all!

I believe we should conduct a real world test to confirm SW theory.<br /><br />Who wants to volunteer? <br /><br />Ken

 

[aspeck]

Re: Once and for all!

LD, it all depends on if the vehicles are using synthetic oil or not. Less friction with the synthetic oil, so the force would be less. Is that the right answer?

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Once and for all!

double. simple vector math.

 

[notinbig]

Re: Once and for all!

Double.

 

[DJ]

Re: Once and for all!

The energy is doubled, with the a larger percentage (received) going to the vehicle of less mass.

 

[RPJS]

Re: Once and for all!

LD<br />Ok, In theory the impacts are the same (providing the wall does not move when the car hits it)<br /><br />say the cars weigh 1000kg with a speed of 20mtr/sec and each impact happens for 1 sec.<br /><br />Momentum = mass*velocity<br />Force = Momentum*time<br /><br />Car hitting wall=<br /><br />20000kg*mtr/sec * 1<br />Force= 20000kg*mtr/sec*sec<br /><br />2 cars hitting head on<br /><br />40000kg*mtr/sec * 1 divided by 2 (2 cars)<br />Force= 20000kg*mtr/sec*sec per car

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: Once and for all!

Originally posted by NYMINUTE:<br /> I think I will go cut my grass...

Yeah! Watch your speed and don't collide head on with another lawn mower <br />If'n you do, let us know at what speed

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Once and for all!

Copy and paste:<br /><br />During a collision, the momentum of each object adds to the final momentum. The law of conservation of momentum states- the momentum of any closed, isolated system does not change. In a head on collision, the momentum of the two cars are added and equal the total momentum of the wreck. If you hit a tree at 25 miles per hour, you will feel the force of hitting it at 25 miles per hour. If you hit an oncoming car at 25 miles an hour and it is coming at you at the same speed, the force of the collision is 50 miles per hour.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Once and for all!

sounds like a job for myth busters. Yup, my lawn needs mowing too.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Once and for all!

I still say it depends on the oil.

 

[beezee28]

Re: Once and for all!

Sounds like physic class to me.

 

[JB]

Re: Once and for all!

Passengers can only die once. Anything beyond that is immaterial.<br /><br />Grass? Oh, yes. Mine needs cutting, NOW.

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Once and for all!

The desk ball scenario in my experience is if both balls are raised and let fall the exact same distance, no significant rebound is observed. Then again, in the collision, the force is doubled, but then so is the number of vehicles involved. Therefore, as the formula demonstrates, the force is equal, assuming the wall does not move.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Once and for all!

The force may be doubled but it is then divided by two (two cars). Same as one car hitting one wall.<br /><br />Just mowed mine...

 

[dolluper]

Re: Once and for all!

Some kids walked by me today I think they were smoking all that grass you guy's cut today