Question

Football helmets are made with padding that helps reduce head injuries when a player collides with an object. Which best explains how the padding reduces injuries?

It extends the time of the collision.
It reduces the time of the collision.
It eliminates the reaction force of the object.

Answer 1

It extends the time of the collision.

Explanation: The padding deforms and absorbs energy, increasing the time (and distance) over which the head is brought to a stop. Because impulse Δp = Favg·Δt, a larger Δt means a smaller average force on the head, reducing injury risk. Padding cannot eliminate the reaction force.