In an automobile collision, how does an airbag lessen the blow to the passenger? Assume as a result of the collision, the passenger stops. * 5 The air bag decreases the momentum change of the passenger in the collision. During the collision, the force from the air bag is greater than would be the force from the windshield or dashboard so the passenger cannot hit the hard objects. The stopping impulse is the same for either the hard objects or the airbag. Unlike the windshield or dashboard, the air bag increases the time for the slowing process and thus decreasing the average force on the passenger. The airbag is there to insure the seatbelt holds.

In an automobile collision, how does an airbag lessen the blow to the passenger? Assume as a result of the collision, the passenger stops. * 5 The air bag decreases the momentum change of the passenger in the collision. During the collision, the force from the air bag is greater than would be the force from the windshield or dashboard so the passenger cannot hit the hard objects. The stopping impulse is the same for either the hard objects or the airbag. Unlike the windshield or dashboard, the air bag increases the time for the slowing process and thus decreasing the average force on the passenger. The airbag is there to insure the seatbelt holds.