What is the primary scientific purpose of crumple zones in a modern vehicle?

To make the car lighter, which improves its overall fuel efficiency.

To absorb impact energy by deforming and extending the time of the collision.

To create a rigid barrier that prevents any damage to the engine compartment.

To reflect the force of an impact away from the car, similar to how a ball bounces.

During a collision, how does extending the time of impact affect the forces involved, assuming the change in momentum is the same?

It increases the peak force experienced by the occupants.

It has no effect on the force, only on the duration of the crash.

It decreases the peak force experienced by the occupants.

It causes the force to be applied more suddenly and sharply.

A very hard, rigid outer shell that resists any deformation.

A smooth, aerodynamic shape to reduce wind resistance.

A layer of foam that compresses during impact.

A bright, reflective color to increase visibility.

The rigid frame makes the car much heavier and more difficult to stop.

The car would stop very abruptly, causing a large and harmful impact force on the occupants.

A rigid frame is more likely to shatter into dangerous sharp pieces during a high-speed impact.

The car's engine would be less protected, increasing the risk of a fire after the collision.

A baseball player using a hard batting helmet to protect their head from a wild pitch.

A high jumper landing on a large, thick, padded mat.

A bridge using thick steel support cables to hold its weight.

A knife having a very sharp edge to easily slice through food.