This introduction covers Why Speeding Kills within Kinetic Energy for GCSE Physics. Revise Kinetic Energy in Energy for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 1 of 15 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 1 of 15
Practice
15 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
📖 Why Speeding Kills
Here's a fact that should terrify every driver: if you double your speed, you don't just double your kinetic energy — you QUADRUPLE it! A car at 60 mph has FOUR TIMES the kinetic energy of the same car at 30 mph. In a crash, that energy has to go somewhere — into crumpling metal, shattering glass, and injuring people. Your brakes don't just have to work twice as hard at double speed; they have to work FOUR times as hard. This isn't opinion — it's physics. The v² in the kinetic energy equation is why speed limits exist and why speeding is the single biggest factor in road deaths.
Kinetic Energy Equation (ON FORMULA SHEET ✓)
Ek = ½mv²
Kinetic Energy (J) = ½ × mass (kg) × velocity² (m/s)²