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Forces and motion

Forces and motion

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Question 8

The Mars Pathfinder spacecraft used a system of protective, inflatable airbags to cushion its landing on the rocky Martian surface, rather than landing on a rigid metal structure. Upon impact with the ground, these airbags compressed significantly.

Using the concept of momentum, explain how the compression of these airbags reduces the maximum impact force exerted on the lander's delicate scientific instruments.

[4]
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Forces and motion Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Forces and motion

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