Direction: Read the following paragraph and choose the correct option...
(a) Since the action and reaction are equal and opposite during a collision, both the vehicles experience an equal force.
(b) We are given,
Initial velocity of both the bus and the van = v
Final velocity of both the bus and the van = 0
If m₁ and m₂ are the masses of the large bus and the van respectively, where m₁ is much greater than m₂
Change in momentum of the bus = m₁ x (0 — v) = —m₁v
Change in momentum of the van = m₂ x (0 — v) = —m₂v
Since m₁ < m₂,="" the="" van="" will="" experience="" smaller="" momentum="" />
(c) The force acting on a body is equal to the product of its mass and the acceleration, i.e.,
F= mass x acceleration = m x a
a = F ÷ m
a α 1 ÷ m
Acceleration experienced by the bus α 1 ÷ m₁
Acceleration experienced by the van , α 1 ÷ m₂
Since m₂ < m₁,="" therefore="" the="" van="" experiences="" greater="" />
(d) Due to the transfer of small momentum from the van to the bus, the bus suffers less damage than the van.