Kinetic Energy -- when a moving lorry breaks to avoid a collision?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of kinetic energy in the context of a moving lorry that brakes to avoid a collision. The original poster is seeking to comprehend where the kinetic energy goes during this process, without specific equations provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the nature of braking and the transformation of kinetic energy, with questions about whether the lorry breaks apart or simply comes to a stop. There is also a suggestion to consider the mechanics of how brakes work and an analogy involving rubbing hands together to illustrate energy transformation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions and providing insights into the mechanics of braking and energy transformation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the role of friction in braking, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics of kinetic energy loss.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a template that may have been lost, which could affect the clarity of the problem statement and the equations needed for a complete understanding. The absence of specific equations is noted as a constraint in the discussion.

Charlotte2014
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Hi there, I've been given a statement in which I need to find out where Kinetic Energy goes when a moving lorry breaks to avoid a collision?There are no equations given. Only information needed to complete the question.I have tried looking around the internet to see what the possible answer could be. I understand there is an equation to find out how much kinetic energy is used. I just don't know where the energy goes.
 
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Does the lorry break into two or more pieces or does it brake (as in come to a stop, presumably in one piece?)
 
Charlotte2014 said:
Hi there, I've been given a statement in which I need to find out where Kinetic Energy goes when a moving lorry breaks to avoid a collision?There are no equations given. Only information needed to complete the question.I have tried looking around the internet to see what the possible answer could be. I understand there is an equation to find out how much kinetic energy is used. I just don't know where the energy goes.
How do brakes work?
Rub your hands together. What do you notice?
 
Hello Charlie, and welcome to PF :)

There are no equations given. Only information needed to complete the question
Nice interpretation of the template (template? Yes, template! The one you inadvertently lost, thus blocking helpers from helping you without breaking PF rules). The idea is that you collect the relevant equations needed and list them under 2). If any equations are given in the problem statement, you can place them under 1).

Braking means reducing speed by exercising friction forces (no friction, no speed reduction: beng!). Brake hard enough and the wheels block, leaving skidmarks on the road. A lot of work is needed to make them big tyres screech broad marks on the asphalt.
 

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