When a car is driving through a town, several forces are acting on it. These forces can be classified into two categories: external forces and internal forces.
1. External forces: These forces act on the car from its surroundings. They include:
- Frictional force: This force opposes the motion of the car due to the interaction between the tires and the road surface. It allows the car to grip the road and ensures that it remains stable.
- Air resistance or drag force: As the car moves through the air, air molecules exert a resistance force on it, acting in the opposite direction of its motion. This force increases with the car's speed.
- Gravitational force: This force pulls the car downward towards the Earth's center and gives it weight. It acts vertically downwards through the center of gravity.
- Normal force: This force is exerted by the ground on the car, perpendicular to the road's surface. It prevents the car from sinking into the ground and balances the weight of the car.
2. Internal forces: These forces exist within the car itself. They include:
- Engine force: The engine propels the car forward by generating a force that pushes the car in the direction of its motion. It is transferred to the wheels and results in the car moving.
- Braking force: When the driver applies the brakes, a force is generated, in the opposite direction to the car's motion, to slow it down or bring it to a stop.
- Steering force: When the driver turns the steering wheel, a force is applied to change the direction of the car. This force is transferred to the wheels, causing the car to turn.
The balance and interplay of these forces determine the motion and behavior of the car as it drives through the town.
Explain what forces are acting on your example in a car driving through a town
3 answers
short form
Forces on a car driving through a town: External forces - friction, air resistance, gravitational force, and normal force. Internal forces - engine force, braking force, and steering force.
1 answer