Friction is the reason that machines are not 100% efficient. Some of the work gets lost when mechanical energy is transformed into thermal energy.  Sometimes when driving down a windy mountain road, you can start to smell the brake pads. Explain what might be going on there:

College Physics
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168000
Author:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Publisher:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Chapter15: Thermodynamics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 45PE: A 4ton air conditioner removes 5.60107J (48,000 British thermal units) from a cold environment in...
icon
Related questions
Question

Friction is the reason that machines are not 100% efficient. Some of the work gets lost when mechanical energy is transformed into thermal energy. 

Sometimes when driving down a windy mountain road, you can start to smell the brake pads. Explain what might be going on there:

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Thermal expansion
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168000
Author:
Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Publisher:
OpenStax College
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781285737027
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning