A car's bumper is designed to withstand a 6.12 km/h (1.7-m/s) collision with an immovable object without damage to the body of the car. The bumper cushions the shock by absorbing the force over a distance. Calculate the magnitude of the average force on a bumper that collapses 0.210 m while bringing a 810 kg car to rest from an initial speed of 1.7 m/s.

5572.8 N

Explanation:

Applying,

F  = ma Equation 1

Where F = Force, m = mass of the car, a = acceleration.

We can find a by applying,

v² = u²+2as Equation 2

Where v = final velocity, u = initial velocity, a = acceleration,  = distance.

From the question,

Given: v = 0 m/s (come to rest), u = 1.7 m/s, s = 0.210 m

Substitute these value into equation 2

0² = 1.7²+2×0.21×a

a = -1.7²/(2×0.21)

a = -2.89/0.42

a = -6.88 m/s²

Also given: m = 810 kg

Substitute these value into equation 1

F = 810(-6.88)

F = -5572.8 N

Hence the force on the bumber is 5572.8 N