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The Science of Speed: Car Safety

5 minutes 30 seconds

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In 2008, NASCAR driver Michael McDowell lost control of his car and hit the wall at 170 mph. Fortunately, McDowell was able to walk away from the accident, which is a testament to the safety elements NASCAR has instituted. NASCAR officials apply the scientific principle of the conservation of energy to strengthen their safety measures. Part of "The Science of Speed" series.

Media Details

Runtime: 5 minutes 30 seconds

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Pit crew station filled with tires at a racetrack. Caption: Friction is necessary for breaks and tires to work.
The Science of Speed
Episode 1
5 minutes 27 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Race car on a track. Caption: Front downforce gives you front grip,
The Science of Speed
Episode 2
5 minutes 2 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
A race car about to go into a turn. Caption: That means that car won't turn.
The Science of Speed
Episode 3
5 minutes 16 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Illustration of two cars bumper to bumper. Caption: is pushing the air out of the way for both cars.
The Science of Speed
Episode 4
5 minutes 29 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
A simulation of a car crash on a wall. Caption: Gregory Earle, When a car hits it, the wall deforms and moves.
The Science of Speed
Episode 5
4 minutes 29 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Illustration of a car frame. Caption: The chassis is made from steel tubing,
The Science of Speed
Episode 6
5 minutes 30 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Three men, one wearing a vest being lit on fire. Caption: it forms a char a carbon shell around the fiber.
The Science of Speed
Episode 7
4 minutes 38 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
That affects how much grip each tire has.
The Science of Speed
Episode 8
5 minutes 5 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Side view of an engine. Caption: a NASCAR engine uses hydrocarbon molecules for fuel.
The Science of Speed
Episode 9
4 minutes 52 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
A spiraling tube. Caption: They run into each other and cancel themselves out.
The Science of Speed
Episode 10
4 minutes 46 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12