Car physics

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by talk2tiny

I realise that there's no reason to trust my credibility any more than anyone else who's posted here but if you're interested, I have degrees in mathematics and theoretical physics and have almost completed a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. I can assure you that from a purely mathematical standpoint, two solid objects travelling at 100km/h towards each other results in the exact same forces as a single object travelling at 200km/h hitting a stationary object.

It's all to do with relative velocities but I won't go into the details. Those who don't believe me yet won't be swayed by a proof either. Obviously I can't speak for the effects of crumple zones and glancing collisions etc but to answer the physics part of the question, definitely aim for the wall rather than the car.

I cant believe I am disagreeing with a Physics doctorate but I am..

If you assume a perfectly inelastic collision, there is no difference between hitting a unyielding brick wall OR an identical car of the same mass travelling toward you at the same speed. Its conservation of momentum - and you can take that to the bank!