Question

In the following instances, the smaller and lighter vehicle may be crushed:

a. A semi-truck against a sedan.

b. A train against a semi-truck.

Answer 1

In collisions between vehicles, the force experienced by each vehicle depends on its mass and the change in velocity it undergoes. The smaller and lighter vehicle may be crushed in collisions with larger and heavier vehicles due to the greater force exerted by the larger vehicles.

Step-by-step explanation:

In collisions between vehicles, the force experienced by each vehicle depends on its mass and the change in velocity it undergoes.

a) In the case of a semi-truck and a sedan, the sedan would most likely be crushed because the semi-truck is much larger and heavier, exerting a greater force in the collision.

b) Similarly, in a collision between a train and a semi-truck, the smaller and lighter semi-truck would be crushed due to the large mass and force of the train.

This phenomenon can be explained using Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The force experienced by each vehicle is determined by the force exerted by the other vehicle in the collision.