The distance between the centre line of front & rear wheels from side view is _________.
Understanding Vehicle Dimensions: Wheelbase Explained
When studying vehicle mechanics and design, understanding key dimensions is crucial. These dimensions define the size, stability, and handling characteristics of a vehicle. One fundamental dimension is the distance between the front and rear wheels.
The question asks specifically about the distance between the centre line of the front and rear wheels when viewed from the side. Let's look at the options provided and define what each term represents in the context of vehicle dimensions.
- Wheel base: This is defined as the horizontal distance between the centres of the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. It is measured parallel to the direction of motion, typically from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle. This measurement is taken from a side view of the vehicle.
- Rear overhung: This is the horizontal distance measured from the centre of the rear axle to the extreme rear-most point of the vehicle.
- Wheel track: Also known as track width, this is the transverse distance between the centres of the wheels on the same axle. It is measured across the width of the vehicle. There can be a front track and a rear track.
- Front Overhung: This is the horizontal distance measured from the centre of the front axle to the extreme front-most point of the vehicle.
Based on the definitions, the distance between the centre line of the front & rear wheels from a side view perfectly matches the definition of the Wheel base.
| Dimension | Description | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel base | Distance between front & rear axle centres | Side View |
| Wheel track | Distance between wheels on the same axle centres | Front or Rear View |
| Front Overhung | Distance from front axle centre to front-most point | Side View |
| Rear Overhung | Distance from rear axle centre to rear-most point | Side View |
Therefore, the distance between the centre line of front & rear wheels from side view is the wheel base.
Revision Table: Key Vehicle Dimensions
| Term | Measurement Defined |
|---|---|
| Wheel base | Longitudinal distance between front and rear axle centers. |
| Wheel track | Transverse distance between left and right wheel centers on the same axle. |
| Front Overhung | Distance from front axle center to the vehicle's front end. |
| Rear Overhung | Distance from rear axle center to the vehicle's rear end. |
Additional Information on Vehicle Geometry
Understanding vehicle dimensions like wheelbase and track is important because they significantly influence vehicle characteristics:
- Wheelbase and Ride Quality: Longer wheelbases generally contribute to a smoother ride, especially over bumps, because the vehicle's pitch motion is reduced.
- Wheelbase and Maneuverability: Shorter wheelbases typically result in a smaller turning radius, making the vehicle more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Wheelbase and Stability: While a longer wheelbase can improve directional stability at high speeds, other factors like track width and suspension design also play crucial roles in overall stability.
- Track Width and Stability: A wider track width generally increases lateral stability, making the vehicle less prone to rolling over, especially when cornering.
- Overhangs: Front and rear overhangs affect approach and departure angles, which are important considerations for off-road vehicles. Longer overhangs can also impact parking ease.
These dimensions are key parameters considered during vehicle design and engineering to achieve desired performance, comfort, and practical attributes.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
A sphere of volume V is made of a material with lower density than water. While on Earth, it floats on water with its volume f1V (f1 < 1) submerged. On the other hand, on a spaceship accelerating with acceleration a < g (g is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth) in outer space, its submerged volume in water is f2V. Then:
A railway wagon (open at the top) of mass M1 is moving with speed v1 along a straight track. As a result of rain, after some time it gets partially filled with water so that the mass of the wagon becomes M2 and speed becomes v2. Taking the rain to be falling vertically and the water stationery inside the wagon, the relation between the two speeds v1 and v2 is :
Consider the following statements:
1. Distance between the longitudes becomes zero on North Pole and South Pole.
2. Distance between the longitudes is maximum on the Equator.
3. Number of longitudes is more than number of latitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
One block of 2⋅0 kg mass is placed on top of another block of 3⋅0 kg mass. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0⋅2. The bottom block is pulled with a horizontal force F such that both the blocks move together without slipping. Taking acceleration due to gravity as 10 m/s2, the maximum value of the frictional force is :
