It follows Newton's second law: its momentum continues until an outside force (usually the steering wheel, dash board or windshield) brings it to a stop. An airbag doesn't just soften the blow. ... That's why airbags inflate and then quickly deflate—to gradually bring the driver's momentum from 60 mph to zero.

How do airbags use physics?

Air bags are used in automobiles because they are able to minimize the effect of the force on an object involved in a collision. Air bags accomplish this by extending the time required to stop the momentum of the driver and passenger.

How do airbags work?

How airbags work. The airbag's deployment is controlled by sensors that detect the occurrence and severity of a crash. When the airbag controller determines that the airbag should be deployed, the system triggers an inflator unit that burns chemicals very rapidly to produce large volumes of inert gas to inflate the bag ...