How is energy transferred in a crash?

Answer 1

The energy in a crash can be transferred in a variety of ways. The most significant way is through mechanical and physical deformation. In a head on collision between two cars, the energy travels through the front of each car, crumpling the metal and machinery. Energy can then be transferred in the form of heat. Although this energy isn't as significant as mechanical energy, during the moment of impact there will be a trace amount of heat created through the scraping of metal. Energy is also transferred through sound waves. When two vehicles collide, the sound of the scraping metal is the transfer of some of the energy through the air.