Final answer:
Seat belts save lives by utilizing the physics of impulse, which increases the time of impact and reduces the force on vehicle occupants. Features like crumple zones and airbags work with seat belts to further absorb and spread out the forces in a crash, based on the inverse relationship between force and time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Physics behind Seat Belts and Safety Features
Seat belts can save your life and increase your chances of surviving a crash by harnessing the physics of impulse. Impulse is the product of the net force acting on an object and the time over which this force is applied. In the context of automotive safety, impulse is utilized to increase the time of impact during a collision, thereby reducing the force exerted on vehicle occupants.
The design of modern cars incorporates features such as crumple zones and airbags that work alongside seat belts to protect passengers. Crumple zones are parts of a vehicle that are designed to deform and crumple in a collision, lengthening the duration of the impact and hence lowering the force. This increase in impact time results in a decrease in the force experienced by passengers, which aligns with the answer to the multiple-choice question, where (a) is the correct response: It reduces injury to passengers by increasing the time of impact.
Airbags complement seat belts by providing a cushion that further extends the time over which the force acts on a person during a crash. As the duration of impact increases, the resultant force is lessened. This principle is grounded in the physics equation for impulse, which indicates an inverse relationship between force and time when momentum change remains constant.
Safety regulations have mandated the use of such features because they are proven life-savers. The combined use of crumple zones, airbags, and seat belts significantly reduces the risk of severe injuries in accidents. It's not just about following the law; it's about understanding that these features have been engineered to work with the laws of physics to protect individuals in the event of a crash.