ForcesDiagram

Stopping Distance = Thinking + Braking

Part of Stopping DistancesGCSE Physics

This diagram covers Stopping Distance = Thinking + Braking within Stopping Distances for GCSE Physics. Revise Stopping Distances in Forces for GCSE Physics with 13 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 2 of 12 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 2 of 12

Practice

13 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

📊 Stopping Distance = Thinking + Braking

Stopping distance diagram showing a car with hazard detection point, brakes applied point, and final stop position, demonstrating that stopping distance equals thinking distance plus braking distance, with factors affecting each component listed

Figure 1: Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance

KEY INSIGHT: Thinking distance doubles when speed doubles (proportional to v). Braking distance QUADRUPLES when speed doubles (proportional to v²). This is why speeding is so dangerous!

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?

  • A. The distance the car travels while the brakes are applied only
  • B. The distance the car travels during the driver's reaction time only
  • C. Thinking distance plus braking distance
  • D. The speed of the car divided by the braking force
1 markfoundation

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.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

🧠 Factors Affecting THINKING Distance
Alcohol — impairs judgment and reactions
🧠 Factors Affecting THINKING Distance
Tiredness — slower brain processing

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