Chassis facts for kids
A chassis (pronounced "CHASS-ee" or "CHASS-is") is like the main skeleton or frame that holds up a non-living object. Think of it as the strong base that supports everything else. Just like your own skeleton supports your body, a chassis supports things like cars, computers, or even televisions. It gives the object its shape and strength.
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What is a Chassis in a Car?
In a car, the chassis is much more than just the frame. It includes the main metal "skeleton" of the car. But it also has all the important parts that make the car move and steer. This includes the engine (the power source), the transmission (which helps change gears), the driveshaft (which sends power to the wheels), and the suspension (the springs and shocks that make the ride smooth).
The car's body, which is the part you see and sit in, is built on top of this chassis. The body usually isn't needed to hold the car together. The chassis is the true foundation that keeps the car strong and working.
How is a Chassis Used in Other Things?
A chassis is a key part of many different machines. It provides the structure and holds all the important pieces in place.
What is a Tank's Chassis?
In a tank, the chassis is often called the "hull." This is the bottom part of the tank. It includes the powerful tracks that help the tank move over rough ground. The hull also holds the engine, the driver's seat, and the space where the crew works. It's the sturdy base that supports the tank's heavy armor and weapons.
What is a Chassis in Electronics?
For electronic devices like a television or a radio, the chassis is usually a metal frame. This frame holds all the delicate electronic parts. Things like circuit boards, wires, and other components are attached to it. Sometimes, people even use the word "chassis" to refer to all these electronic parts themselves, along with their frame.
What is a Computer Chassis?
In computers, the chassis is the strong frame inside the computer. This frame holds important parts like the motherboard (the main circuit board), memory chips, and disk drives. It makes sure everything stays in place. The chassis also supports the outer case of the computer. This case is like a protective shell. It keeps dust, moisture, and accidental bumps from harming the important parts inside.
Some people enjoy "case modding." This is when they decorate or change the look of their computer's case. It turns a plain computer box into a unique piece of art! For personal computers, this outer part is called a computer case. For larger, professional computers called servers, they often use a special frame called a rack mount.
Images for kids
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The CTC-2 chassis of an RCA CT-100 television
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A car chassis showing its suspension, exhaust system, and steering parts
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An ATX computer case
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The M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle, which has a special chassis for better accuracy
