Laws of Nature This lesson will deal with how the laws of nature affect your ability to control your vehicle. The laws we’ll consider are: - Gravity.

Laws of Nature This lesson will deal with how the laws of nature affect your ability to control your vehicle The laws we’ll consider are: - Gravity - Inertia (energy of motion), momentum - Kinetic and potential energy - Friction and centrifugal force - Factors that affect stopping ability - Forces of Impact These forces affect how your vehicle handles so you may react appropriately in emergency situations.

Laws of Nature The Law of Gravity
If you break the laws of nature or misjudge them while driving you may end up losing control and get into a collision. Let’s first think about gravity. Gravity is the force that pulls all objects toward the center of the earth. It affects your speed of travel when going uphill and down hill.

When you are driving uphill, the force of gravity is working against you.
Laws of Nature You will need to accelerate or change to a lower gear to maintain your speed.

When you are driving downhill, the force of gravity will cause you to go faster and increase your stopping distance. Laws of Nature To control your vehicle you may need to brake or change to a lower gear to slow to a safe speed.

The Law of Gravity and Hill Parking
Laws of Nature The Law of Gravity and Hill Parking

What are the steps? Downhill with curb
When you are parked on an incline, gravity works to pull your vehicle downhill. To keep your vehicle from rolling, leave your vehicle in low gear or park. Wheels to right Shift to neutral Roll into curb Shift to Park Set Parking Brake What are the steps? Downhill with curb

What are the steps? Downhill with curb
Wheels to right Shift to neutral Roll into curb Shift to Park Set Parking Brake What are the steps? Downhill with curb

Uphill with curb What are the steps?
Wheels to left Shift to neutral Roll back into curb Shift to Park Set Parking Brake Uphill with curb What are the steps? After pulling over to within a 4-6 inches of the curb you will park…

Uphill with curb What are the steps?
Wheels to left Shift to neutral Roll back into curb Shift to Park Set Parking Brake Uphill with curb What are the steps? Uphill with curb

TO THE RIGHT What step do you skip? Yes, there is no curb to roll into. You’ll be parking downhill with no curb. Which way will you turn the wheel?

You are already parked uphill without a curb, which way are your wheels turned?
TO THE RIGHT Will you put it into neutral and roll? Again, there is no curb to stop us.

The Law of Inertia Laws of Nature
Objects moving tend to continue moving and objects at rest tend to remain at rest unless acted upon by some outside force. While driving, inertia keeps your vehicle moving unless it is acted upon by something to slow or stop it. Braking, the road surface, a fixed object, or another vehicle will all interrupt or stop the force of inertia.

This force causes your body and loose objects in your vehicle to keep moving forward when your vehicle suddenly slows or stops. You may be injured because of the inertia and the momentum of loose objects that become airborne during a sudden stop.

Wearing a seatbelt while driving will stop the forward momentum of your body if you have a collision. It will prevent you from hitting the windshield, steering wheel, and other parts of the interior of your vehicle. Check to see that it is properly adjusted If you are hit from behind while stopped, your head tends to stay in place due to inertia while the rest of your body is pushed forward by the seat. This causes whiplash Using your headrest minimizes injuries.

. . . now, applying this to vehicles
Potential Energy Laws of Nature Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses because of its position or form. For example, a book on the edge of a table has the “potential” energy to fall to the floor. However, a book that is already on the floor does not have this potential energy. . . . now, applying this to vehicles

. . . let's now think about kinetic energy
Potential Energy Laws of Nature When you are parked on a hill, gravity also causes your car to have potential energy. This energy is converted to kinetic energy (motion) if it brakes loose and rolls down the hill. There is also potential energy built up in the components of your car’s suspension that may cause you to swerve out of a turn. . . . let's now think about kinetic energy

Kinetic Energy Laws of Nature
Kinetic energy is the energy a body possesses because it is in motion. As you increase your driving speed, both your body and your vehicle acquire kinetic energy (motion) which eventually must be: a) absorbed by your brakes, engine compression forces, or other friction in a controlled stop. b) absorbed by your body, and the objects you hit if you are involved in a crash.

Kinetic Energy Laws of Nature
Kinetic energy is the energy a body possesses because it is in motion. The kinetic energy of your body while it is in motion, of loose objects in the car, and the car itself, all increase with weight and the square of your speed so that: - if you increase your speed from 10 mph to 20 mph you are dealing with four times the amount of kinetic energy, and if you increase your speed from 10 mph to 50 mph you have to deal with 25 times the amount of kinetic energy.

. . . let's now think about kinetic energy & gravity
Laws of Nature Kinetic energy is the energy a body possesses because it is in motion. The kinetic energy of your moving vehicle determines your ability to stop the car. In addition to the distance traveled due to your reaction time, your stopping distance will be: - five times further if you increase your speed from 10 mph to 20 mph. - 25 times further if you increase your speed from 10 mph to 50 mph. . . . let's now think about kinetic energy & gravity

. . . let's now think about momentum
Kinetic Energy Laws of Nature Kinetic energy is the energy a body possesses because it is in motion. Gravity decreases your kinetic energy when you are driving uphill, making it easier to stop. When going downhill, it increases, making it more difficult to stop. Braking to a stop converts kinetic energy into heat energy in your brakes by the friction that is generated. But, if you and your vehicle are involved in a collision, the kinetic energy is still converted into heat energy, but not through your brakes…you and your car must absorb that energy! (ouch) . . . let's now think about momentum

Momentum Laws of Nature
Momentum is the force of a moving object. The momentum of an object is proportional to its weight and speed. For example, a baseball traveling at 10 mph has more momentum (force) than a ping pong ball traveling at the same speed. When driving, you and you vehicle acquire a momentum which is proportional to the weight of your vehicle and its speed. Increasing your speed from 10 to 20 mph, doubles your car’s momentum From 10 to 50 mph, you increase it 5 times.

. . . let's now think about friction
Momentum Laws of Nature Momentum is the force of a moving object. The momentum of an object is proportional to its weight and speed. When you make a controlled stop, the momentum of your vehicle must be overcome by (a) the friction force of your brakes, (b) the friction force between your tires and the road, and (c) the compression force of your engine. When in a crash, the momentum and kinetic energy of your vehicle must be absorbed, which results in heat, the deformation of your vehicle, and possibly injury to your body. . . . let's now think about friction

Friction Laws of Nature
Friction is the force caused by the contact of one surface on another. It results in the resistance of an object moving over a surface. For example, it is easier to move your hand over writing paper than over rough sandpaper because there is less friction. Friction is (a) increased by the weight of your vehicle (b) decreased if you tires are over-inflated or worn smooth, (c) increased if your tires are under-inflated (d) affected by the materials to construct the road, and (e) affected by the condition of the surface of the road.

Friction occurs (a) between your tires and the road, (b) in your brakes when applied, and (c) in many parts of your engine and transmission. Because friction is increased by the weight of your vehicle, a fully loaded truck has more stopping power than an empty one because it is heavier. The weight helps stop the vehicle by producing more friction between the tires and the road.

The kinetic energy of your moving vehicle is converted into heat during braking because of the friction of your brakes against your wheels and your tires against the road. …but worn or over-inflated tires will reduce the friction between your tires and the road surface, reducing the traction you need to: (a) start smoothly (b) stop quickly, and (c) pull out of a turn or curve without losing control

Friction Laws of Nature . . . while thinking about losing control. . .
…also, road surface changes due to: ice, rain, snow, oil or fuel, sand and dirt will reduce the traction of your tires. This could result in you losing control of your vehicle. . . . while thinking about losing control. . . …skidding while braking is caused by the friction of your brakes being stronger than the friction force between your tires and the road, which causes you to lose traction. . . . frequently when we are in a skid - the wheels may be locked. . .

Friction Laws of Nature . . . while thinking about losing control. . .
…also, road surface changes due to: ice, rain, snow, oil or fuel, sand and dirt will reduce the traction of your tires. This could result in you losing control of your vehicle. . . . while thinking about losing control. . . …also if they become too hot, they cannot release any more heat and will fail to absorb any more kinetic energy, (as when traveling down a steep hill & using your brakes a lot) The brakes may fail! . . . frequently when we are in a skid - the wheels may be locked. . .

Friction Laws of Nature . . . while thinking about ABS
…locked wheels cannot convert kinetic energy into friction in your brakes as the car continues to skid. The purpose of anti-lock brakes is to prevent your wheels from locking during a quick stop so your brakes can absorb energy and you can maintain traction. . . . while thinking about ABS anti-lock brakes. . . . . . frequently when we are in a skid - the wheels may be locked. . .

Friction Laws of Nature . . . while thinking about ABS
…locked wheels cannot convert kinetic energy into friction in your brakes as the car continues to skid. The purpose of anti-lock brakes is to prevent your wheels from locking during a quick stop so your brakes can absorb energy and you can maintain traction. Courtesy of Continental TEVES . . . while thinking about ABS anti-lock brakes. . . . . . a video will play in about 10 seconds...please wait

Friction Laws of Nature There is another type of
The friction that the clutch creates when released can: - cause loss of traction if released improperly (peeling out) - slow your vehicle down by engaging a lower gear… - or, allow the vehicle to move as it should after shifting gears There is another type of friction in stick shift cars. . . . . . while thinking about friction. . . . . . it's also important to know. . .

…that friction on your brakes and clutch results in “wear” on these parts, especially with improper use. To avoid this: (a) do not “ride” your brakes. (b) do not drive with your clutch partially engaged. (depressed) (c) use your lower gears to slow the vehicle on downgrades. (downshift) There is another type of friction in stick shift cars. . . . . . while thinking about friction. . . . . . and one other thing about friction . . .

- Improper lubrication of your engine and transmission will cause excessive friction which will result in mechanical failure. - As a result, you could be left stranded or lose control of your vehicle. There is another type of friction in stick shift cars. . . . . . while thinking about friction. . . - Let's now consider something called CENTRIFUGAL FORCE

Let's notice an application to driving. . .
Centrifugal Force Laws of Nature 2 examples: Throwing a disc Tether Ball game Centrifugal force is the tendency for objects to be pulled outward when rotating around a center. Let's notice an application to driving. . .

Traction is necessary to keep from losing control . . .
Centrifugal Force - In a turn, your car is subject to centrifugal force which is pulling your car away from the direction you want to turn and into a straight line. Traction is necessary to keep from losing control . . .

Banked roadways improve your traction in turns. . .
Centrifugal Force Laws of Nature Banked roadways help in overcoming the centrifugal force that is pulling you away from the direction in which you want to turn. …to counteract the centrifugal force of a vehicle in a turn you should: (a) decelerate before the curve (b) brake gently and gradually while turning (c) downshift (manual transmission) Banked roadways improve your traction in turns. . .

Centrifugal Force Laws of Nature
Centrifugal force can be partly overcome by leaning toward the inside of the turn when driving a motorcycle or bicycle. . . . one last point concerning centrifugal force. . . Let's finish this lesson with understanding Forces in a Crash

The most forceful crashes are the head-on collisions . . .
Forces in a Crash Laws of Nature In any crash: (a) the kinetic energy of your vehicle and body must be dissipated. (b) the forces needed to dissipate this energy are lower if the time period over which your vehicle moves during the crash is longer. (c) if the car suddenly stops, the forces will be high The most forceful crashes are the head-on collisions . . .

Forces in a Crash Laws of Nature The forces that stop your car during a crash will be greatest if you have a head-on collision with another vehicle or large immovable object, such as a bridge abutment, wall, or a tree because the momentum and kinetic energy of your car must be absorbed almost instantaneously. The most forceful crashes are the head-on collisions . . .

Forces in a Crash Laws of Nature If two vehicles collide at the same rate of speed, the vehicle that weighs less will take the greater impact. The larger and heavier the vehicle, the greater the energy of momentum. The smaller and lighter vehicle may even be pushed in the reverse direction. In some cases, the smaller and lighter vehicle may be crushed as in: (a) a semi-truck against a sedan, (b) train against a semi-truck. The most forceful crashes are the head-on collisions . . .

Try to redirect your path of travel toward objects that "give"
Forces in a Crash Laws of Nature You can reduce the forces on you and your car during a unavoidable crash if you are able to redirect your path toward objects that will cause your car to stop over a greater distance, such as: bushes instead of trees, snow, soft dirt, and sand barrels placed in front of freeway abutments. Try to redirect your path of travel toward objects that "give"

Forces in a Crash Laws of Nature Modern vehicles have features that
The purpose of barrels filled with sand in front of an abutment (such as a support for a highway overpass) is to reduce the forces on your vehicle, by allowing your vehicle to travel farther than if it hit the abutment directly. Modern vehicles have features that reduce the force on your body . . .

These features absorb energy during a crash and increase the distance over which the impact occurs. These include: (a) Crush zones (areas of the vehicle designed to to absorb the impact by crushing in without harming the passenger area of the vehicle) (b) I-beam construction in the frame and doors to give the vehicle more rigidity (c) Air bags (which allow the momentum of your body to be absorbed over a greater distance than if it hit the steering wheel or windshield) Modern vehicles have features that reduce the force on your body . . .

These features absorb energy during a crash and increase the distance over which the impact occurs. These include: (d) Energy-absorbing bumpers that reduce the effect of the kinetic energy during a front or rear-end collision. (e) Padded dashboards, and (f) Safety glass windows and windshields designed to crumble into small dull-edged pieces to reduce lacerations. If the force of impact is excessive, such as during a head-on collision, the above safety features may still not be enough to prevent serious injury. Modern vehicles have features that reduce the force on your body . . .

Forces in a Crash Laws of Nature Your seat belt is the best protection
against injury if you have an accident!

Quiz time…how much do you remember?
End of Natural Forces Quiz time…how much do you remember?

1)1) It is important to understand the_______of_________ as they significantly affect your ability to control your vehicle. laws nature 1)2) True or False: Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the earth. It affects speed on hills.____ true 1)3) True or False: When parking downhill, turn your wheels to the left and back up into the curb, therefore minimizing the effect of gravity _______. false 1)4) Setting the parking brake when hill parking is especially important with a ____________transmission. stick shift 1)5) Objects moving tend to continue moving and objects at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by some outside force. This is a description of the Law of __________ Inertia 6) You may be injured because of the inertia and momentum of loose objects that become airborne during ________________ sudden stops

1)7) Wearing a ____________ while driving will stop the forward momentum of your body if you have a collision. seat belt 1)8) True or False: If you are hit from behind while stopped, you can experience a __________. A properly adjusted headrest can minimize this injury. _________ whiplash true 1)9) ___________ energy is the energy a body possess because it is in motion. Kinetic 1)10) True or False: Kinetic energy is usually absorbed by the brakes or engine compression in a controlled stop______. True 1)11) If kinetic energy is not absorbed by the brakes or engine compression, it must be absorbed by your vehicle or _____. body 12) True or False: Going down a hill (gravity) with your speed increasing will increase the kinetic heat energy that must be absorbed. _______. True

1)13) Momentum is the force of a moving object
1)13) Momentum is the force of a moving object. The momentum of an object is proportional to its ________ and _______. weight speed 1)14) True or False: Friction is the force caused by contact of one surface upon another, resulting in resistance of an object moving over a surface. _____. true 1)15) During braking, the friction between the tires and road and within the brakes converts into _______. heat 1)16) True or False: Changes in road surface (ice, rain or snow) will increase the traction of your tires to the road. ______ False 1)17) Centrifugal force is the tendency for objects to be pulled ________ when rotating around a center. outward 18) To counteract centrifugal force on a non-banked curve, it is important to ____ _____ before entering the curve. slow down

1)19) True or False: The forces that stop your car in a head-on crash are greatest if you hit a immovable object (tree) because the momentum and kinetic energy of you car must be absorbed almost immediately. _____ True 1)20) You can reduce the force upon you and your car in a crash if you can _______ your path toward objects such as bushes, snow, & sand barrels to help absorb kinetic energy. redirect 1)21) Energy absorbing bumpers, padded dashboards and safety glass are features which _________ the distance over which the impact occurs, hopefully minimizing injury. increase 22) The best protection you have against injury if involved in an collision is your ______ _____. seat belt

End of Natural Forces

Laws of Nature This lesson will deal with how the laws of nature affect your ability to control your vehicle. The laws we’ll consider are: - Gravity.

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Laws of Nature This lesson will deal with how the laws of nature affect your ability to control your vehicle. The laws we’ll consider are: - Gravity.

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Presentation on theme: "Laws of Nature This lesson will deal with how the laws of nature affect your ability to control your vehicle. The laws we’ll consider are: - Gravity."— Presentation transcript:

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