Vehicle moving at a certain speed, onto a conveyor moving at same speed....

[Tefal]

In one example, there is only one car moving, so the energy released during the collision is K. In the second example however, there are two cars moving, so the total energy released during the collision is 2K. So the crash where both cars are heading toward each other is clearly more energetic than the single car crashing into a parked one.

How can you argue with that?

because in example one there is k1 all absorbed by car 1 so car one receives 1k damage

now in your second example there are now TWO CARS so it;s k2 but to car A and car B so it works out as car A receiving 1k damage and car B reciving 1k damage hence each receives the same as hitting something at 30.

you're forgetting the toher car absorbs the same amount of energy.

 

[Fuzz]

because in example one there is k1 all absorbed by car 1 so car one receives 1k damage

Nope..
Car 2 (stationary) still has a crumple zone so when Car 1 hits it at 30 mph with that K1 of energy it is divided between the two cars. so you end up with Half K damage to each car.

now in your second example there are now TWO CARS so it;s k2 but to car A and car B so it works out as car A receiving 1k damage and car B reciving 1k damage hence each receives the same as hitting something at 30.

you're forgetting the toher car absorbs the same amount of energy.

K2 agreed, So you now have K2 divided between 2 cars. K1 to each. Double the damage to your car you had compared to hitting a parked car and receiving half K


Bed...
Work tomorrow.

 

[edscdk]

If the two cars are both doing 30mph towards each other, that statement is correct.

Myth busters tested it the damage is the same as hitting a wall at 30, I'd assume that's because cars are softer than walls

 

[Biohazard]

Myth busters tested it the damage is the same as hitting a wall at 30, I'd assume that's because cars are softer than walls

Kinda depends on the wall, car, and a whole other bunch of stuff.