Question

What are the critical speeds of the automobile?

a) Those that will cause resonance of the automobile.

b) Those that result in the maximum speed.

c) Those that minimize the response of the automobile.

d) Those that are equivalent to the posted speed limits.

Answer 1

Critical speeds of an A. automobile relate to resonance, caused when driving conditions match the car's natural vibrational frequency, and are not connected to speed limits or maximum speed capabilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The critical speeds of an automobile are those that can cause resonance within the vehicle’s structure. This occurs when the frequency of vibrations induced by the tires rolling over irregularities in the road matches the automobile’s natural vibrational frequency, leading to a potentially hazardous increase in amplitude of the car body's oscillations. These critical speeds are not related to the maximum speed the car can achieve, the speed limits posted on roads, or levels that minimize the car's response.

It is a physics concept concerning the dynamic behavior of the automobile when exposed to certain driving frequencies. When a car encounters driving conditions that match its harmonic frequencies (as shown in the mentioned figure), the result is these critical resonant speeds, which can compromise the integrity and handling of the vehicle and should be avoided when recognized.