Laws of Nature Flashcards
What is the point where the mass of the vehicle is concentrated and balanced called?
Center of Gravity
What is the natural force that constantly pulls all things to the earth and affects and object’s weight called?
Gravity
The higher the center of gravity, the more _____ the vehicle becomes?
Unstable
The force of gravity is amplified when a driver does what?
Brakes, accelerates, or corners
The faster an object moves, the more _____ it collects.
Energy
An object that is heavier will have _____ kinetic energy than an object that is lighter.
More
What is kinetic energy?
The energy an object possesses due to its velocity (speed) and its mass (weight)
The more mass and more velocity and object has, the _____ momentum.
More
What is momentum?
Mass in motion.
What is inertia?
An object’s tendency to resist any change in its state of motion.
What is pitch?
A vehicle’s weight shifts forwards or backwards.
What is roll?
A vehicle’s weight shifts side to side.
What is yaw?
A vehicle’s rear tires lose traction and weight shifts to one side (rear tires slide)
What should your hand position be on the steering wheel?
8 and 4
When should hand-to-hand or push/pull slide be used?
During most driving maneuvers
When should hand-over-hand be used?
At speeds below 15 mph and for slow, tight turns
How should one-hand steering be used when backing straight back?
Right arm is behind the front passenger seat, left hand is at 12 o’ clock position
How should one-hand steering be used when backing a trailer?
Hold the bottom of the wheel
What does covering the accelerator mean?
Foot is over pedal but not physically pushing down
What does progressive, smooth acceleration do?
Gradually increase speed to minimize backward pitch and maintain vehicle balance
What does thrust acceleration do?
Rapidly increase speed without losing tire traction
What does smooth braking technique do?
Saves gasoline and wear & tear on the brake system and tires
What is a speed limit?
The maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions
Speed limit on interstate highways in certain rural areas
70 mph
Speed limit in non-rural interstate highways, public roads not part of the interstate system
55 mph
Speed limit in rural rustic roads
35 mph
Speed limit in school, business and residential zones
25 mph
What is perception time?
The time is takes you to recognize a hazard
What is reaction distance?
The distance your vehicle travels between the time you recognize a problem and the time you apply the brakes
What is braking distance?
The distance your car travels after you apply the brakes
What does ABS stand for?
Antilock Braking System
What is ABS used for?
It allows the driver to steer during hard braking
What will the brake pedal do when ABS is engaged?
It will vibrate
