Constant Delta E-thermal in a given distance?

[torquemada]

In a given distance apparently regardless of how much work is done (whether the force is large or small) the change in thermal energy is the same since thermal energy change is fk times d. Since Fk is constant as is D the change in thermal energy of the system will remain constant. I'm having a hard time visualizing this though - isn't a racecar zooming through a slice of a track going to generate more thermal energy than a car mozying through that same slice at 5 mph? I don't want to just hide behind the math - it's a bit counterintuitive though when trying to picture it physically that the same change in thermal energy is occurring. tyia

 

[torquemada]

bump for an easy question for a noob