Gravity
force pulling all objects to the center of earth
center of gravity
point at which an objects weight is evenly balanced
True or false: Having a lower center of gravity allows for better control
True
car going uphill
center of gravity is more towards back tires. your speed should increase to make sure you get over the hill.
car going downhill
center of gravity is more toward front tires (could cause you to roll over). your speed should decrease since you are going downhill.
effects on center of gravity
-height of vehicle -the speed you take going into a turn -weight of vehicle -width of car/wheel base
the faster your car is moving,
the more energy of motion it has (means harder to control)
if a vehicle has double the weight, its stopping distance...
doubles
if it is going double the SPEED, its stopping distance...
quadruples
if it has double weight and speed, its stopping distance is...
9 times
friction
a gripping action -Three types (rolling=tires and car are moving, sliding=car is moving but tires are not (skid), standing=neither are moving)
traction
friction created by the tires an the roadway
tread
pattern on a tire that is used to push water away
underinflated tire
outside edges wear
overinflated tire
center of tire wears
True or false: Traction is better whenever you speed up for a turn.
False. Traction will be better if you slow down when turning.
Factors that reduce traction
Poor car conditions (bad shocks or tires)
Poor road surface
How to check for traction
Make sure no traffic is around you
Brake gently to see how your car responds
Reduce speed if your car does not respond well
Factors that effect control in a turn/ curve
speed
sharpness of the curve
bank of the curve
load or weight of your vehicle
3 steps for stopping distance
Perception (seeing), reaction (time that starts as soon as you take foot off gas), braking (as soon as foot hits the brake pedal)
factors that reduce ability to see
weather, sun galre, other cars and their headlights, phones, dark outside, dirty windshield, alcohol and drugs, tired, glasses or having bad vision, your emotions
factors that reduce ability to react
injury or disability, type of shoes, cruise control, lack of sleep, food on lap, age, panic
factors that reduce ability to brake
faulty brakes, snow, ice, bad tires, wet leaves, speed, weight, distance
Force of impact
Faster speed=harder hit Heavier weight (of either car or object)=harder hit Distance from impact to stop=hit something softer or moveable
List the 7 energy obsorbing features (how your car protects you in a collision)
Airbags
Seatbelts
Crush zones
Energy absorbing bumpers
Side impact panels
Penetration restraint windshield
Head restraints