Runaway Truck Lane Energy Analysis · PhysicsBowl 2022 #9
Physics · mechanics
Problem
When descending mountain roads, large trucks pulling a heavy load can burn up the brakes. Once the brakes are no longer useful, the driver may need to guide the truck up a "runaway truck lane" on the side of the road. The runaway truck lane is directed uphill and often has a thick layer or sand or gravel or both on the surface. Which of the following is one of the reasons the truck will stop?
a. An increase in kinetic energy
b. A decrease in potential energy
c. A decrease in fuel
d. A transfer of energy to the gravel on the track of the runaway truck lane
e. The change in temperature of the engine