Science of Speed Pretest

What does the science of aerodynamics study?

• The weight of objects

• The speed and flight of objects

• The movement of air

• The sound of air

What are three key aerodynamics principles?

• Drag, height, and acceleration

• Drag, downforce, and drafting

• Acceleration, downforce, and motion

• Acceleration, height, and motion

What word describes a force that slows an object when air pushes against it?

• Drag

• Downforce

• Drafting

• Deceleration

What aerodynamics force is used to create both lift and downforce?

• Air speed

• Air pressure

• Both A and B

• Neither A nor B

A race car is aerodynamically balanced when there is balanced force on:

• The front and back wheels

• The spoiler and the roof

• The splitter and the rear bumper

• None of the above

True or false? Downforce is the opposite of lift.

• True

• False

True or false? Aerodynamic balance is complicated, which makes it impossible for engineers to use it to improve a race car’s performance.

• True

• False

Drafting happens when:

• Two or more race cars accelerate next to each other with inches between them.

• Two or more race cars line up, one behind the other, with inches between them.

• Two or more race cars tap the bumpers of the cars in front of them.

• None of the above

The goal of adaptations to NASCAR race cars is:

• To prevent race cars from flipping over or lifting.

• To provide more downforce to improve tire traction.

• To force high-pressure air over the car to make sure it “sticks” to the track.

• To create more contact between the tires and the track.

• All of the above

Why is the science of aerodynamics important to racing?

• Aerodynamics helps improve the safety of the race cars, keeping them on the track.

• Aerodynamics enhances the speed of the race cars, helping drivers zoom past the competition.

• Aerodynamics helps improve the performance of the cars, keeping them running smoothly and consistently.

• All of the above