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Two cars in a collision on a roadway

Car Accidents/Collisions (Newton’s Second Law of Motion)

Grades 9-12

Car accidents and collisions happen more than we often like to see on roads. When two cars collide there are a number of factors that determine the force of these cars as they strike each other. The force of each car as they collide determines the amount of damage one car might do to the other in an accident. We will explore more about car collisions and their forces in this lesson.

 

Teacher's Guide and Related Standards

Objective

Students explain how Newton’s Second Law of Motion applies to car accidents/collisions.

Essential Questions

  • What is Newton’s Second Law of Motion?
  • How does Newton’s Second Law of Motion apply to car accidents/collisions?

Motorweek Clip

Thinking questions:

  • What expensive parts of cars can sometimes be damaged in car accidents?
  • What should you do if you are in a car accident?
  • How do dash cams aid in car accidents?


Vocabulary


Supplemental Enrichment Activities

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Car Collision Practice Problems

Have students use Newton’s Second Law of Motion to complete the three practice problems. Upon completion, students should be able to understand how Newton’s Second Law of Motion relates to car accidents.

» Go to Practice Problems

Forces and Motion

Newton’s Second Law of Motion at the Motor Park

In this video, students learn about how Newton’s Second Law of Motion relates to cars making sharp or wide turns.

» Go to Video

Cause and Effect

Newton’s Second Law of Motion Simulation

Have students complete the simulation in which they can see how altering force, mass, and or acceleration will impact the other variables in Newton’s Second Law of Motion.

» Go to Simulation

 

This learning resource is a production of Maryland Public Television/Thinkport.