A Physics Exercise for the Lead-Footed

Larry is driving his Holden Commodore V6 along a residential street at 60 kph. A child runs out into the road 10 metres in front of him: although Larry attempts to brake, he still hits the child.

Assume:

The total mass of Larry's car, including mag wheels, spoilers and sound system is 0.5 tonnes;

No more than 10% of the car's kinetic energy (energy of motion) will be transferred to the child in the collision;

The child weighs 20 kg;

An average building storey is 5 metres high.

How tall a building (in storeys) would Larry have to throw the child off to produce the same level of injury to the child?

Solution next Monday.