Question

a driverless car collides head on with a stationary sign. the collision brings the car to a stop, but does not move the sign. which design feature would have minimized the force of impact in the collision? a. a sign that breaks loose from the ground when a force is applied to it b. a car that can carry a greater mass of passengers and cargo c. a car that can decelerate at a greater rate during collisions by not bending on impact d. a sign that can withstand the force of a more massive car without moving

Explanation:

This relies on the impulse-momentum principle ($J = \Delta p = F \Delta t$), where impulse equals change in momentum. To minimize impact force $F$, we increase the collision time $\Delta t$. If the sign breaks loose and moves with the car, the collision duration lengthens, reducing the peak force. The other options either increase force (B, C) or do nothing to reduce impact (D).

Answer:

A. a sign that breaks loose from the ground when a force is applied to it