Chapter 8, Problem 35A

In terms of impulse and momentum, why are air bags in automobiles a good idea?

To determine

The reason that air bags in automobiles are a good area.

Answer to Problem 35A

Air bags in automobiles increases the time of impact due to which impact force decreases.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Impulse on an object is given by,

  $F\Delta t=\Delta p$

Where,

  $F=$ force exerted on an object

  $\Delta t=$ time taken to change its momentum

  $\Delta p=$ change in momentum of the object

When an automobile collides with any other object, then the change in momentum will be same. Thus, if the time of impact will be increased anyhow, the force of impact on the driver will be reduced.

Conclusion:

Hence, air bags in automobiles proves to be a good idea since they increase the time of impact and thereby decrease the impact force.