This article concerns a particular application of the fundamentals of physics with which most physicists have little contact. Some elementary physics commonly used by our law enforcement officers in the reconstruction of automobile accidents is reviewed. In particular, formulas for the determination of (a) vehicle speed through skid marks, (b) minimum speed for a vehicle skidding off-course while turning a corner, (c) minimum speed required to roll a vehicle over sideways, and (d) center of mass are discussed.
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© 1960 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1960
American Association of Physics Teachers
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