Drivers Ed (Module 3)

potential energy

"the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or because of the arrangement of parts."

To keep a parked car from rolling away:

Leave it in a low gear—or "Park" if it has an automatic transmission Set the parking brake Position the front wheels of your car in such a way that the car will roll away from traffic if your brakes fail

kinetic energy. This force is the energy developed by an object while in motion.

When you double your speed, the kinetic energy of your car is four times as great! And that means the braking distance is four times as great

"centripetal force(action)

center-seeking force, necessary for circular motion

Friction is the resistance of movement between two surfaces in contact

decreasing a car's traction, you are decreasing the amount of control you have over the vehicle.

Centrifugal force;pseudo force(a reaction, so not a real force)

force increases with acceleration.opposite of centripetal force,force that pulls out from the center on a body in circular motion. low side on the inside of the curve prevent cars from skidding and also help motorcyclists and bicyclists maintain their balance.

Force of impact

impact is four times greater at 40 mph than at 20 mph.

safely cornering a curve

• Decelerate before the curve • Brake gently and gradually if braking is needed while turning • Downshift if your car has a manual transmission