The Isaac Newton School of Driving: Physics and Your Car

THE ISAAC NEWTON SCHOOL OF DRIVING: Physics and Your Car

BARRY PARKER

You probably drive or ride in one every day, but you might not know that an automobile exhibits virtually every law of physics. Parker, a former college-physics professor, hopes that readers’ familiarity with cars will help them understand ideas that can seem odd. Obviously, a car relies on fundamental concepts of energy, momentum, and force. It’s less obvious how those same concepts apply when a vehicle crashes, which the chapter “Crash Course” spells out. Parker also relates how the principles of electricity and magnetism are used in the ignition system and how braking relies on friction. An explanation of the thermodynamics of engines explores how fuel efficiency can be improved. Details of the physics of auto racing are revealed, as is how chaos theory helps engineers manage traffic jams. Readers should be well versed in basic algebra to manage this race through physics. Johns napkins, 2003, 250 p., b&w illus., hardcover, $26.95.

Copyright Science Service, Incorporated Oct 11, 2003