Question

Sudden gusts of wind on the highway_____.

1) Generally affect only the movement of large vehicles
2) Only cause visibility problems
3) Can cause problems for all vehicles

Answer 1

Sudden gusts of wind on the highway can cause control issues for all vehicles, with the angle of the wind affecting the vehicle's stability and kinetic energy. Additionally, both light and heavy rain can create slippery road conditions, worsening vehicle control.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sudden gusts of wind on the highway can cause problems for all vehicles, not just large ones. When wind impacts a car horizontally at a 30-degree angle, it can affect the vehicle's kinetic energy by exerting a lateral force, leading to decreased stability and potential control issues. A wind impacting at a 135-degree angle can equally disturb the car's movement, likely requiring the driver to compensate by steering to maintain their intended path. Furthermore, even light rain mixing with oil and gasoline on the road surface can make for a slippery, hazardous condition, impacting the control of the car. This risk can increase with heavy rain, as it contributes to reduced visibility and road grip, escalating the driving challenges.