Impulse and airbags
How does an airbag reduce the force on a passenger during a crash?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
The passenger still goes from full speed to rest, so Δp is the same.
B
Δp is set by the initial speed and doesn't increase.
C
Mass doesn't change.
D
Correct. Impulse FΔt = Δp. With Δp fixed by the crash, a longer stopping time means a smaller average force.
TakeawaySame Δp, longer Δt → smaller average force.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID cp62.