Estimate the weight savings if a typical automobile engine (100 kg) is made of aluminum instead of cast iron. Assume the total volume required is the same. (The density of iron is 7.86 g/cm3, the density of aluminum is 2.70 g/cm3). Hint: density = mass/volume
2) For question 1, explain the changes in performance of the automobile in terms of :
a) acceleration (faster, same, slower)
b) braking (faster, same, slower) - remember braking involves friction of car's wheels with the road
c) handling under high winds (better, same, worse)
Hint: think in terms of freshman physics (F=ma, and frictional force depends on the load applied)
3) For question 1, estimate the change in cost if the cast iron were replaced with aluminum. Aluminum costs about $2./kg, and mild steel costs about $0.4/kg. Take into account the lower mass of the aluminum engine.