Two colliding objects exert equal and opposite forces on each other (Newton's Third Law). However, acceleration experienced by an object is inversely related to its mass: the smaller the mass, the larger the acceleration for a given force (pp. 49-50). Therefore the motorcycle will undergo a much greater change in its motion than the truck.
1 answer
If a Mack truck and a motorcycle have a head-on collision, upon which vehicle is the impact force greater? Which vehicle undergoes the greater change in its motion? Defend your answers.