Brakes
Brakes
Brakes (pronounced: /breɪks/) are devices used to slow down or stop moving objects, often by applying friction. The term is most commonly associated with the braking systems found in vehicles, but can also refer to the mechanisms used in various other machines and equipment.
Etymology
The word "brake" comes from the Old English "brecan," which means "to break" or "to shatter." This is likely due to the fact that early braking systems often involved physically breaking or damaging a part of the machine in order to stop it.
Types of Brakes
There are several different types of brakes, each with their own specific uses and mechanisms. Some of the most common include:
- Disc brakes: These are the most common type of brake found in modern cars. They work by applying pressure to a disc attached to the wheel, slowing it down.
- Drum brakes: These are an older type of brake that work by pushing brake shoes against the inside of a rotating drum.
- Air brakes: These are used in large vehicles like trucks and buses. They work by using compressed air to apply force to the brake pads.
- Emergency brakes: Also known as parking brakes, these are used to keep a vehicle stationary when it is parked.
Related Terms
- Brake pad: This is the part of the brake that applies pressure to the disc or drum, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop.
- Brake fluid: This is the liquid used in hydraulic brake systems to transmit pressure from the brake pedal to the brakes themselves.
- Brake line: This is the tube that carries brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes.
- Master cylinder: This is the device that controls the flow of brake fluid in a hydraulic brake system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Brakes
- Wikipedia's article - Brakes
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