Thinking And Braking Distance

Question 1

An empty van has a shorter stopping distance than a full van when driven at same speed. Why?

Answer 1

Same max force applied to breaks

Mass is less in empty van so there is greater deceleration

Reduces breaking distance

Question 2

Give 2 other factors that increase braking distance

Answer 2

Wet icy roads

Poor tyre conditions

Mass

Question 3

Explain 2 factors that affect braking distance of a car.

Answer 3

Poor condition of tyres. This decreases friction.

Increase mass of car means more work is done to stop car

Question 4

Explain how a gradient of a line going down shows that resultant force on a car was not constant.

Answer 4

Gradient is equal to acceleration

Acceleration is not constant in the a graph

Resultant force is not constant as resultant force is directly proportional to acceleration