For example, a car hits a brick wall. But the car was traveling at constant speed. Zero acceleration.
In: Physics
> For example, a car hits a brick wall. But the car was traveling at constant speed.
It was. It wasn’t when it hit the wall. It accelerated when it hit the wall and slowed, probably to a stop, probably very quickly.
(by the way, remember that in physics, “acceleration” doesn’t just mean “getting faster”. Slowing down and changing direction are also forms of acceleration–any change in velocity is acceleration)
This is why crumple zones work. If you increase the time it takes for the car to slow down, then the acceleration is reduced, so the force on the passengers is reduced.
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