Calculating Thermal Energy Dissipated from Brakes on a Descending Car

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the thermal energy dissipated from the brakes of a 1260-kg car descending an 18.5° hill, one must consider both potential and kinetic energy changes during braking. The car slows from 102 km/h to 34 km/h over a distance of 0.51 km, indicating significant energy loss. The work-energy theorem is applicable here, as the work done by the brakes equals the mechanical energy lost, which is converted into heat. Understanding these energy transformations is crucial for proper brake system design to manage heat buildup effectively. Accurate calculations will ensure safe braking performance under heavy loads.
Stryder_SW
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Homework Statement


Proper design of automobile braking systems must account for heat buildup under heaving braking. Calculate the thermal energy dissipated from brakes in a 1260-kg car that descends a 18.5° hill. The car begins braking when its speed is 102 km/h and slows down to a speed of 34 km/h in a distance of 0.51 km measured along the road.


I honestly have no idea how to do this.
 
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Think about how much potential energy as well as kinetic energy must be accounted for by the work of breaking over that distance.
 
Hi Stryder_SW! :smile:

Virtually all the mechanical energy lost goes into heat (thermal energy), so …

Hint: use the work-energy theorem … work done by the brakes = mechanical energy lost. :wink:​
 
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