Overview
When an automobile crashes, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted into heat, crushed metal, and injury. From what you have seen and read about (in real life and in class). consider two crashes, one at 35 mph, and another at 70 mph. Is it plausible that a crash of the faster automobile is four times worse? What other factors besides speed could affect the outcome of crash? Airbags that are deployed to work alongside seat-belts mitigate the crash to some extent (see the attached article for some information on how airbags work). Why do you think there is a limit to what they can do? Airplane velocities are typically 600 mph except during take-off and landing, when they are closer to 150 mph. Does the kinetic equation explain why there are few survivors in an airplane crash?