Follow-on from a previous question: is there a component of any vertical force resulting from the braking force a braking vehicle?
To determine if there is a vertical force component resulting from the braking force of a vehicle, we need to consider the physics involved.
When a vehicle is in motion and the brakes are applied, the friction between the brake pads and the rotors or drums creates a force that opposes the vehicle's forward motion. This force is called the braking force.
Typically, the braking force acts in the opposite direction of the vehicle's velocity vector, causing it to decelerate. As a result, there is a change in the vehicle's momentum, and this change in momentum is responsible for the force that opposes the forward motion.
Now, let's discuss the vertical force component in more detail. The vertical force component is perpendicular to the surface of the road or ground, and it acts to support the weight of the vehicle. It includes the force of gravity acting vertically downward and any other forces acting perpendicular to the road.
When a vehicle brakes, the vertical force component remains relatively unchanged. This is because the braking force primarily acts in the horizontal direction to oppose the vehicle's motion, while the vertical force component continues to support the vehicle's weight.
However, it's important to note that during the braking process, weight transfer occurs due to the deceleration of the vehicle. As the brakes are applied, the weight of the vehicle shifts forward onto the front wheels, causing an increase in the normal force on the front tires and a decrease in the normal force on the rear tires. This weight transfer affects the distribution of vertical forces.
In summary, while the braking force primarily acts in the horizontal direction to oppose forward motion, weight transfer due to deceleration can lead to changes in the distribution of vertical forces on the tires.