The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving...

The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving...

• A. The less heat the brakes have to absorb
• B. The more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop it
• C. Has no effect on brake heat
• D. Makes brakes wear faster but heat is unfacted.

Answer: (B)

The brakes must absorb the energy being removed from the moving vehicle. Stopping requires converting kinetic energy into heat in the brakes, and that energy is proportional to 1/2 m v^2. So, a heavier vehicle or a higher speed means more energy has to be dissipated, leading to more heat generation in the brakes. That’s why the correct statement is that more heat must be absorbed to stop it. The other options imply less heat, no effect, or heat without more wear, which isn’t accurate because increasing kinetic energy to dissipate increases both heat and potential wear.

The brakes must absorb the energy being removed from the moving vehicle. Stopping requires converting kinetic energy into heat in the brakes, and that energy is proportional to 1/2 m v^2. So, a heavier vehicle or a higher speed means more energy has to be dissipated, leading to more heat generation in the brakes. That’s why the correct statement is that more heat must be absorbed to stop it. The other options imply less heat, no effect, or heat without more wear, which isn’t accurate because increasing kinetic energy to dissipate increases both heat and potential wear.