4.5.6.3.4 Factors Affecting Braking Distance 2

Question 1

What happens when a force is applied to the brakes of a vehicle?

Answer 1

• when a force is applied to the brakes of a vehicle, work done by the friction force between the brakes and wheel reduces the kinetic energy of the vehicle
• the temperature of the brakes increases (energy from kinetic energy store goes to thermal energy store)

Question 2

The greater the speed of the vehicle…

Answer 2

the greater the braking force needed to stop the vehicle in a certain distance

Question 3

The greater the braking force…

Answer 3

• the greater the deceleration of the vehicle
• large decelerations may lead to brakes overheating and/or loss of control