When a car collides with an object, the driver's airbag inflates from the steering wheel very quickly and reduces the impact of the collision for the driver.

Question

Information
A picture shows a crash-test dummy in a car seat. An airbag has inflated out of the steering wheel. The dummy's upper body is moving toward the airbag.

Question
How does the airbag help minimize the effect of force on a driver involved in a collision?

Answer options with 4 options
A.
The airbag extends the collision time.

B.
The airbag allows for less momentum change during the collision.

C.
The airbag shortens the impact time by getting closer to the driver.

D.
The airbag provides a soft surface for the head to rest right before a collision happens.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A. The airbag extends the collision time.

By extending the collision time, the airbag reduces the force experienced by the driver, according to the impulse-momentum theorem, which states that force is equal to the change in momentum divided by the time over which that change occurs. By increasing the time over which the collision occurs, the airbag helps to minimize the force exerted on the driver.