Impact, in the context of collision, refers to the force that occurs when two objects come into contact with each other. This force can cause changes in the motion, shape, or structure of the objects involved. The severity of the impact depends on factors such as the speed of the objects, their mass, and the angle at which they collide. In physics, the concept of impact is often analyzed using the principles of momentum and energy. When two objects collide, they can either bounce off each other or crumple together, depending on whether the collision is elastic or inelastic. Understanding impact is crucial in fields like automotive safety and engineering, where minimizing damage during collisions is a priority.