NASCAR Physics Quiz

According to Einstein’s theory of special relativity, what happens to the passage of time as you move faster through space?

• It slows down

• It reverses

• It speeds up

• It remains constant

What force must be applied to change the direction of a car as it enters a turn on an oval-shaped track?

• Gravitational force

• Frictional force

• Centripetal force

• Magnetic force

How does the banking of the track help cars make high-speed turns?

• It increases the gravitational force

• It reduces the frictional force

• It decreases the normal force

• It assists the frictional force of the tires

What is the measure of energy converted from one form to another in a set amount of time in stock car racing?

• Kinetic energy

• Thermal energy

• Chemical energy

• Potential energy

What is the approximate horsepower produced by a NASCAR engine during a race?

• 1000 horsepower

• 200 horsepower

• 400 horsepower

• 750 horsepower

What is the approximate acceleration of gravity experienced during some of the hardest crashes in NASCAR?

• 60 G's

• 40 G's

• 20 G's

• 80 G's

What is the purpose of SAFER barriers along the outside wall of the race track?

• To increase the force of a crash

• To decrease the area of impact

• To dissipate a crash’s force over a large area

• To prevent collisions

What material is used for the seats in a NASCAR vehicle to absorb more impact energy?

• Aluminum

• Steel

• Carbon fiber

• Plastic

What safety element connects the driver to the car and spreads the area of impact during a collision?

• 5-point harness

• 2-point harness

• 4-point harness

• 3-point harness

What is the purpose of the front end of a NASCAR car being made to crumple during a collision?

• To stabilize the driver

• To extend the area of impact

• To decrease the time of impact

• To increase the impact force