P10.3 Forces and braking

Question 1

What does the braking force depend on?

Answer 1

The speed of the vehicle

The mass of the vehicle

Question 2

What is the thinking distance?

Answer 2

The distance travelled by the vehicle in the time it takes the driver to react

Question 3

What is the braking distance?

Answer 3

The distance travelled by the vehicle during the time the braking force acts

Question 4

What is the stopping distance?

Answer 4

Thinking distance + braking distance

Question 5

What factors affect stopping distances?

Answer 5

Tiredness, alcohol and drugs - increases reaction times
Speed = further it travels before it stops
Road conditions - in wet conditions drivers have to break with less force
Poorly maintained vehicles = such as broken brakes take longer to stop because the brakes and tyres are less effective

Question 6

How can the deceleration of a vehicle be calculated?

Answer 6

V^2 = u^2 + 2as