GCSE Physics

Thinking Distances

Using the table we can work out the thinking time:

time = distance ÷ speed
time = 12 ÷ 17·8 = 0·67 s

N.B. speed must be in m/s!

Speed (mph)Speed (m/s)Thinking Distance (m)
208·96
3013·39
4017·812
5022·215
6026·718
7031·121

The important point is to remember that the thinking time is less than a second - and it's always about the same, no matter what your speed (unless you're drunk, or similar!). What changes is the thinking distance. They are not the same thing!


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