Question

In terms of impulse and momentum, why are padded dashboards safer in automobiles?

Answer 1

Padded dashboards and plastic components in cars reduce force in collisions by increasing the time over which the force acts, thereby improving safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a car experiences a sudden stop, the dashboard padding and airbags allow the net force on the occupants to act over a longer time, thus reducing the force exerted on them. This is because the momentum change remains the same for the occupant, but the force required to bring them to a stop is much less if it acts over a larger time. Plastic components in cars also contribute to safety as they crumple and absorb the impact energy in a collision, resulting in a longer collision time and reducing the force on the car and the occupants.

Answer 2

Padded dashboards make automobiles safer because it will increase the time required to stop your head from moving forward during an accident. The increased stopping time results in a smaller force being applied to the person's head.