P10 Flashcards
What happens if an object has no force propelling itself along?
It will always slow down and stop because of friction as friction always acts in the opposite direction of movement.
What has to happento travel at a steady speed?
The driving force has to balance the frictional forces
Where does friction occur?
You get it between two surfaces in contact, or when an object passes through a fluid (drag).
What is drag?
Drag is the resistance you get in a fluid (a gas or liquid). Air resistance is type of drag.
How can you reduce drag?
Its keeping the shape of the object streamlined. Its where the object is designed to allow fluid to flow easily across it, reducing drag.
Do frictional forces from fluids always increase with speed? If so, give an example?
A car has much more friction to work agaisnt at 70mph compared to 30mph
Describe an objects journey through a fluid…
1) it sets of and the force of gravity is much more than the frictional force slowing it down, so it accelerates.
2) as speed increases, friction builds up.
3) gradually reducing acceleration untilthe forces balance. (Resultsnt force =0)
3) it will have reached its maximum speed (
Or (terminal velocity)
How is the terminal velocity of any object determined?
By its drag in comparison to its weight.
What does the frictional force depend on?
The objects shape and area
What is the equation for stopping distance?
Stopping distance = thinking + braking distance
What is thinking distance?
It is how far the car travels during the driver’s reaction time (the time between a driver seeing the hazard and applying the brakes).
What is the braking distance?
Is the distance taken to stop under braking forde.
Give two things the thinking distance is affected by:
– Speed - the faster you’re going the further you’ll travel during the time you take to react
– Reaction time- the longer your reaction time the longer your thinking distance
What affects the braking distance:
SPEED: faster vehicle travel, longer takes to stop
WEATHER/ROAD SURFACE: wet or icy or oil on road, less grip. Condition of tyres- if no tread left then they cannot get rid of water in wet conditions. Quality of brakes - worn or faulty so they apply much less force compared to well- maintained brakes.
Describe a factor affecting stopping distance and how this affects safety in an emergency…
Icy conditions increase chance of skidding so driving too close to other cars is unsafe. The longer the stopping distance is the more soace you need to leave infront in order to stoo safely