This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Stopping Distances 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 12 of 12 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 12 of 12
Practice
13 questions
Recall
5 flashcards
Topic Summary: Stopping Distances
Key Terms
- Thinking distance: Distance during reaction time
- Braking distance: Distance while brakes applied
- Stopping distance: Thinking + braking distance
- Reaction time: Time to respond to hazard
Key Facts
- Thinking distance ∝ v (linear)
- Braking distance ∝ v² (squared)
- Thinking: affected by driver (drugs, fatigue)
- Braking: affected by car/road (tyres, conditions)
Key Equations
- Stopping = Thinking + Braking
- Thinking distance = speed × reaction time
- Braking ∝ v² (from KE = ½mv²)
Exam Tips
- Doubling speed: thinking ×2, braking ×4
- Always link braking distance to KE = ½mv²
- State "driver" factors for thinking, "car/road" for braking
- Wet road → more braking distance (less friction)