This key facts covers Factors Affecting THINKING Distance within Stopping Distances for GCSE Physics. Revise Stopping Distances in Forces for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 3 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🧠 Factors Affecting THINKING Distance
Thinking distance = speed × reaction time
Factors that INCREASE reaction time:
- Tiredness — slower brain processing
- Alcohol — impairs judgment and reactions
- Drugs (legal and illegal) — various effects on brain
- Distractions — phone, passengers, eating
- Age — older drivers typically react slower
- Poor visibility — takes longer to recognise hazard
Factors that INCREASE thinking distance:
- Higher speed — travel further during same reaction time
- All the factors above (via increased reaction time)
Practice questions for Stopping Distances
What is the correct definition of stopping distance?
Explain why a car travelling at higher speed has a greater braking distance than a car travelling at lower speed, assuming the same braking force.