The Isaac Newton school of driving

For some people, driving is an art; for others, it's a science. At the Isaac Newton School of Driving, though, every car is a laboratory on wheels and every drive an exciting journey into the world of physics. As explained by renowned science writer and physics professor Barry Parker-whose father was a car mechanic and garage owner-almost every aspect of driving involves physics. A car's performance and handling relies on fundamental concepts such as force, momentum, and energy. Its ignition system depends on the principles of electricity and magnetism. Braking relies on friction-yet another basic scientific concept-and if the brakes fail, the resulting damage, too, can be predicted using physics.

Parker's first lesson describes the basic physics of driving: speed and acceleration; why you get thrown forward while braking or outward while turning; and why car advertisements boast about horsepower and torque. He goes on to discuss the thermodynamics of engines, and how they can be more fuel efficient; and what friction and traction are and how they keep a car's tires on the road, whether it's dry, wet, or icy. He also describes how simple laws of physics enable scientists to design aerodynamic cars and high-tech steering systems. Parker then explores the high-performance physics of auto racing, outlines how traffic accidents are reconstructed by police, uses chaos theory to explain why traffic jams happen, and describes what cars of the future might look like. Whether you drive a Pacer or a Porsche, The Isaac Newton School of Driving offers better-and better-informed-driving through physics.

Parker writes with authority and humor about the expensive machines none of us can survive without for long. For high-school students, Ph.D.'s, and anyone who wants to know how cars really work, this is an excellent book.

Paul J. Nahin, author of Oliver Heaviside: The Life, Work, and Times of an Electrical Genius of the Victorian Age

At last, a book about cars that goes beyond the usual basics and right into the heart of the matter. Barry Parker lucidly covers an impressive range of topics related to cars and driving, from engines and aerodynamics to traffic jams and futuristic trends. In it I learned more about my own vehicle than by reading the owner's manual! This book will surely find a wide audience.

Alain Haché, author of The Physics of Hockey

The Isaac Newton School of Driving has provided a wonderful overview of all the things that have to happen to get you there and back again safely. From the intricacies of the internal combustion engine to the dangers of head to head collisions, Barry Parker provides a great resource for automobile fans who want to understand science, and vice versa.

Alan C. Tribble, author of A Tribble's Guide to Space

Contents

• Introduction
• The Open Road: Basic Physics of Driving
• All Revved Up: The Internal Combustion Engine
• When Sparks Fly: The Electrical System
• "Give 'em a Brake": Slowing Down
• Springs and Gears: The Suspension System and the Transmission
• What a Drag: Aerodynamic Design
• A Crash Course: The Physics of Collisions
• Checkered Flags: The Physics of Auto Racing
• Rush Hour: Traffic and Chaos
• The Road Ahead: Cars of the Future
• Epilogue: The Final Flag
• Bibliography
• Index