24.2.2. Impact of Drag on Fuel Efficiency

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is drag force?

   Hint

   Think about how air or water pushes against an object.

2. 2.

   State one reason why lowering the drag coefficient is important.

   Hint

   Consider how resistance affects energy use.

3. 3.

   What is the relation between drag force and fuel consumption?

   • Increasing drag increases fuel consumption.
   • Increasing drag decreases fuel consumption.
   • Drag has no effect on fuel consumption.

   Hint

   Consider how cars function against air resistance.

4. 4.

   True or False: The drag coefficient has improved from 0.8 to 0.15 in the last 120 years.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about improvements in automotive engineering.

5. 5.

   A vehicle experiences a drag force of 100 N at a speed of 30 m/s with a drag coefficient of 0.3. If the speed doubles to 60 m/s, calculate the new drag force.

   Hint

   Use the relationship between speed and drag force.

6. 6.

   Discuss the historical changes in vehicle designs that influenced fuel efficiency and their unexpected impacts.

   Hint

   Reflect on the balance between efficiency and practicality.