AP Physics C: Mechanics

Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics with calculus-based physics principles.

Practical Applications

Engineering Safer Vehicles

Applying Physics to Road Safety

Physics principles like momentum, impulse, and energy conservation are crucial in designing safer cars.

  • Crumple zones absorb energy during collisions, reducing forces on passengers.
  • Seat belts and airbags apply Newton’s Laws to protect occupants by spreading out forces over time.

Engineers use kinematic equations and energy analysis to test and improve safety features, saving lives every day.

Examples

  • Analyzing crash test data to improve bumper design.

  • Using simulations to optimize airbag deployment timing.