This memory aid covers Memory Aid 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 8 of 12 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 8 of 12
Practice
15 questions
Recall
5 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aid
Thinking vs Braking — "Driver vs Car":
Thinking distance is all about the DRIVER — their reaction time, whether they're tired, drunk, or distracted.
Braking distance is all about the CAR and ROAD — tyre grip, brake quality, road surface, vehicle mass.
Speed and distance relationship:
- Thinking distance ∝ v (speed doubles → thinking distance doubles) — linear relationship
- Braking distance ∝ v² (speed doubles → braking distance ×4) — squared relationship
Memory trick: "Thinking is T (linear), Braking is B (bigger — squared)"
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Stopping Distances. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
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.
Quick Recall Flashcards
15 questions on Stopping Distances — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 5 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
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