Stopping Distances Summary

GCSE Physics

Stopping is made up of two parts: thinking and braking.

GCSE Physics

Thinking time is the reaction time, when your brain is responding to the hazard ahead of you.

GCSE Physics

Braking time is the time taken to slow the vehicle down from your initial speed to zero.

GCSE Physics

Stopping time is the thinking and braking times added together. The total time to stop a moving vehicle.

GCSE Physics

Thinking distance is the distance travelled during the thinking time.

GCSE Physics

Many factors affect thinking distance. Most involve distractions or physical/mental incapactity.

GCSE Physics

Braking distance is the distance travelled during the braking time.

GCSE Physics

Many factors affect braking distance. Most involve applied forces being smaller.

GCSE Physics

Stopping distance is the sum of the thinking and braking distances.


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