Compared to objects designed to absorb impact, striking a fixed object will result in ___ damage.

Compared to objects designed to absorb impact, striking a fixed object will result in ___ damage.

• A. Less
• B. Greater
• C. Equal
• D. More

Answer: (D)

When impact energy isn’t absorbed, damage goes up. Surfaces that are designed to absorb impact deform and dissipate energy over a longer time, increasing the contact duration and reducing the peak force. This means the striking object experiences a gentler, more spread-out load, which protects it from damage. A fixed, rigid object, on the other hand, doesn’t deform much, so the collision happens very quickly and delivers a high peak force. That higher force causes more damage to the striking object. So, hitting a fixed object results in more damage.

When impact energy isn’t absorbed, damage goes up. Surfaces that are designed to absorb impact deform and dissipate energy over a longer time, increasing the contact duration and reducing the peak force. This means the striking object experiences a gentler, more spread-out load, which protects it from damage. A fixed, rigid object, on the other hand, doesn’t deform much, so the collision happens very quickly and delivers a high peak force. That higher force causes more damage to the striking object. So, hitting a fixed object results in more damage.