Question

A trailer jackknife is more likely to happen if the trailer is loaded or empty?

a) Loaded
b) Empty
c) Both equally
d) Depends on the road conditions

Answer 1

A trailer bouncing up and down slowly on a highway is likely nearly empty because less mass means less inertia, leading to more pronounced oscillations compared to a heavily loaded trailer.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you observe a freight truck with a trailer bouncing up and down slowly on the highway, it is more indicative that the trailer is nearly empty rather than heavily loaded. A heavily loaded trailer would have more mass, which would help dampen any bouncing due to the increased inertia. Thus, the oscillation would be less pronounced and the suspension would not rebound as easily as it would if the trailer were empty. An empty trailer has less mass and consequently less inertia, making it more susceptible to bouncing movements caused by road irregularities and wind. Therefore, the slow bouncing motion points to a lack of heavy cargo stabilizing the trailer.