Brakes on a car-Energy related question

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A car traveling at high speeds requires effective brakes to manage the significant kinetic energy generated, as they must dissipate this energy as heat. The friction between the brakes and wheels must exceed the static friction between the tires and the road to ensure effective stopping. Heat dissipation is crucial, especially in scenarios like descending steep hills or during repeated maximum braking in racing. Doubling the car's velocity increases the braking workload more than doubling its mass, highlighting the importance of brake performance at higher speeds. Effective braking systems are essential for safety and performance in fast cars.
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In terms of energy, why does a car going fast absolutely needs good brakes? What are the main physical constraints to optimize?

Friction should be increased. But, that's what I pretty much I have to say. What else could be said? I've been racking my brains for two hours picturing a car in my head. Nothing comes to my mind!
 
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The friction in the brakes needs to be sufficiently greater than the maximum static friction between the tires and pavement. The brakes need to be able to dissipate the heat energy produced from braking so they do not fade. The worst case scenario for heat dissipation for a street car would be going down long steep hill. For a race car, it's the repeated amount of maximum braking.
 
What rcgldr said.

The brakes need to be able to dissipate all the Kenetic Energy of the car in the form of heat.

Presumably you know the equation for the KE of the car so ask yourself this question:

Which would give the brakes more work to do..

a) doubling the mass of the car or
b) doubling the velocity of the car?
 

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