Question

Low magnitude acceleration ranges from ________ and lasting several seconds and high magnitude acceleration exceeding ________ and lasting less than a second.

A) 1-3 Gs; 10 Gs
B) 5-7 Gs; 20 Gs
C) 10-15 Gs; 50 Gs
D) 20-30 Gs; 100 Gs

Answer 1

Low magnitude acceleration ranges from 1-3 Gs, lasting several seconds, while high magnitude acceleration exceeds 10 Gs, lasting less than a second; the correct answer is A) 1-3 Gs; 10 Gs.

Step-by-step explanation:

Low magnitude acceleration typically ranges from 1-3 Gs and lasts several seconds, while high magnitude acceleration involves forces exceeding 10 Gs and lasting less than a second. In the context of human tolerance, the space shuttle produces about 3 Gs during takeoff and reentry, and a fighter jet can impose up to 12 Gs during a sharp turn. To describe acceleration in a way that relates to everyday experiences, knowing that roller coasters and dragsters can subject their occupants to around 4 Gs helps provide a tangible reference. Moreover, the U.S. Air Force considers 10 Gs as the maximum acceleration a human can typically withstand for a short period without serious consequences. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is A) 1-3 Gs; 10 Gs.