3.1 Case File
Case File
On October 1, Kathy Johnson (not her real name) was driving home from work in her red car. As she approached the University Drive intersection, Bill Peterman (not his real name), driving his white pickup truck, attempted to cross the same intersection on his way to class. Unfortunately, they collided in the centre of the intersection.
As seen in this photo, both vehicles became joined and moved off to the side of the intersection before coming to rest. When the police arrived and began taking statements, Bill claimed that Kathy was well back from the intersection when he attempted to cross and that her high rate of speed was to blame for the accident. At the same time, Kathy insisted she was travelling at the posted speed limit, 50 km/h, and that Bill entered the intersection without proper care and attention.
Both Kathy and Bill received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries. The property damage to both vehicles was substantial. The case is now before the courts to decide who will pay for the damages. In addition, the police have charged Kathy with driving in excess of the posted speed limit.
In her defence, Kathy has hired a consultant to perform a crash analysis hoping that it will confirm her speed prior to the collision. The intent of this analysis is to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that she was actually travelling at the speed limit just prior to the accident. How is this possible? How can conservation principles related to momentum and energy be applied to analyze and understand collisions?
You will refer to this case study as part of Assignment 3.