Final answer:
Vehicle brakes must stop a vehicle within a defined distance at a certain speed, convert kinetic energy into heat, and meet specific legal requirements. Innovations like power brakes and regenerative brakes are examples of advancements in braking technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
By law, the brakes on every vehicle (other than a motorcycle) must be capable of performing certain tasks to ensure safety on the road. This includes having a braking system that is able to stop the vehicle within a certain distance when driving at a designated speed, such as 50 mph. The law also specifies that the braking system must be able to convert kinetic energy into heat efficiently, as evidence by smoking brakes being a mechanical equivalent of heat. The development of braking systems has advanced over time, with some systems such as power brakes in bulldozers and other heavy machinery, utilizing a motorized pump that takes over most of the work from the driver. Another innovation is regenerative brakes, which slow a vehicle by converting its kinetic energy into electrical energy that can then be stored in a battery for later use.