Chapter 9, Problem 97A

To determine

The way, impulse and change in momentum can be used to analyze barrier designs.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Momentum is mass times the velocity. It is vector quantity. Impulse is change in momentum.

Cars are moving on a highway with high speed. To stop a car, the momentum of car must be changed. The change in momentum of car and impulse does not depend on the way of stopping the car. The force of impact must be reduced to save lives and this can be achieved by increasing the stopping time of car during impact with barriers.

The barriers which increases the time to stop the car will decrease force which can saves the lives of people.

Conclusion:

Increasing the time of collision using barriers saves the lives of people.