Chapter 5, Problem 3TE

To determine

The reason behind, today’s automobiles being designed to crumple upon impact.

Answer to Problem 3TE

The reason behind, today’s automobiles being designed to crumple upon impact is that it increases the time of impact resulting in lesser impact force.

Explanation of Solution

The automobile frames are designed to absorb more force during the collision. If an automobile is rigid, more impact force will be experienced by the person sitting inside, causing him/her more injury.

During collision, there is change in momentum due to which impulse is created. Impulse depends on force and time duration, so to reduce the value of force exerted to driver, the time duration of impulse is reduced by making the frame such that it crumbles on collision.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the reason behind, today’s automobiles being designed to crumple upon impact because it increases the time of impact resulting in lesser impact force.