Question

Football helmets are made with padding that helps reduce head injuries when a player collides with an object. Which best explains how the padding reduces injuries?

Answer 1

Since the pad is soft and squishy, when the helmet receives a blow, the pad squishes, and absorbs as much energy and force from the hit as possible.  Not a very technical answer but hopefully that will help.

Answer 2

The padding absorbs the impact from the hit