Re: crash tests, from a Physics Teacher

[Huw Powell <audi@mediaone.net>]

> Okay, you guys need something to do!
> 
> EVERYONE MISSED THE POINT!

big snip

> We must look at total energy and total momentum.

big agreement

> Total KE after the crash: Since all is stopped

big disagreement, assumption problem.  All does not stop because of the
crash - in the 60/0 collision, the big smoking wreck is travelling at 30
mph until it grinds to a halt on the road due to friction.  That energy
is not dissipated in the crash, which essentially occurs at a speed
relative to the observer of 30 mph.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

82 Audi Coupe; 84 4kq; 85 Coupe GT; 73 F250

http://people.ne.mediaone.net/audi/thoughts.htm