In an automobile collision, how does an airbag lessen the blow to the passenger? Assume as a result of the collision, the passenger stops.
A) The airbag decreases the momentum change of the passenger in the collision.
B) During the collision, the force from the airbag is greater than the force from the windshield or dashboard, so the passenger cannot hit the hard objects.
C) The stopping impulse is the same for either the hard objects or the airbag. Unlike the windshield or dashboard, the airbag gives some, increasing the time for the slowing process and thus decreasing the average force on the passenger.
D) The airbag is there to ensure the seatbelt holds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The airbag increases the time over which the passenger comes to a stop, reducing the average force experienced by the passenger, as impulse (change in momentum) is the same.

In an Automobile Collision, How Does an Airbag Lessen the Blow