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Physics Paper 1 > Topic 2 - Forces And Motion - Vehicle Stopping Distances > Flashcards

Topic 2 - Forces And Motion - Vehicle Stopping Distances Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the distance traveled before a driver reacts to a hazard called?

A

Thinking Distance

The distance traveled during the reaction time before the driver begins to brake.

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2
Q

What is the distance required to stop a vehicle after the brakes are applied called?

A

Braking Distance

This is the distance the vehicle travels while it decelerates to a stop.

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3
Q

What factors affect Thinking Distance?

A
  • Speed
  • Reaction time
  • Concentration
  • Tiredness
  • Distractions
  • Influence of drugs/alcohol

These factors can significantly impact how quickly a driver can react to a hazard.

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4
Q

What factors can influence Braking Distance?

A
  • Speed
  • Poor road conditions (icy, wet)
  • Bald tires (low friction)
  • Worn brake pads
  • Mass (more passengers)

These factors determine how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop once the brakes are applied.

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5
Q

True or False: Braking Distance is only influenced by the speed of the vehicle.

A

False

Braking Distance is influenced by multiple factors, including road conditions and vehicle maintenance.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank: The distance traveled during the reaction time is known as _______.

A

Thinking Distance

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7
Q

Fill in the blank: The distance a car travels after applying brakes until it stops is called _______.

A

Braking Distance

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8
Q

What is the typical stopping distance at 20 mph?

A

6 m (12 metres or 40 feet)

This distance is approximately three car lengths.

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9
Q

How does the stopping distance change at 30 mph?

A

23 metres (75 feet)

This includes a thinking distance of 9 m and a braking distance of 14 m.

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10
Q

What is the thinking distance at 40 mph?

A

12 m

The total stopping distance is 36 metres (118 feet).

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11
Q

At 50 mph, what is the total stopping distance?

A

53 metres (175 feet)

This consists of a thinking distance of 15 m and a braking distance of 38 m.

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12
Q

What is the braking distance at 60 mph?

A

55 m

The total stopping distance is 73 metres (240 feet) with a thinking distance of 18 m.

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13
Q

What is the approximate stopping distance at 70 mph?

A

96 metres (315 feet)

This is equivalent to twenty-four car lengths.

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14
Q

What factors can affect stopping distances?

A
  • Attention (thinking distance)
  • Road surface
  • Weather conditions
  • Condition of the vehicle

These factors can lead to variations in the general guide for stopping distances.

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15
Q

True or False: The greater the speed, the greater the distance traveled during the same reaction time.

A

True

Higher speeds result in longer distances covered before the brakes are applied.

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16
Q

What happens to momentum during a crash?

A

Before the crash, there is a large momentum; after the crash, there is no momentum

This change in momentum results in a large force being felt.

17
Q

How is force calculated in terms of momentum during a crash?

A

Force = mass x acceleration

A large deceleration results in a significant force exerted on the car and passengers.

18
Q

What is the average mass of a car used to estimate forces on the road?

A

1500 kg

This value can be used along with acceleration to calculate the forces involved in a crash.

19
Q

Fill in the blank: The stopping distance at 30 mph is ______.

A

23 metres (75 feet)

This includes a thinking distance of 9 m and a braking distance of 14 m.

20
Q

What is the work done to stop a vehicle equal to?

A

The initial kinetic energy (KE) of the vehicle

21
Q

What must happen to all the kinetic energy of a car for it to stop?

A

It must be transferred to friction

22
Q

What is the relationship between braking distance and work done?

A

Work done = KE = Fd = 1 mu

23
Q

Fill in the blank: The work done to stop a vehicle is equal to the initial _____ of the vehicle.

A

kinetic energy

24
Q

True or False: The work done to stop a vehicle does not depend on its initial kinetic energy.

A

False

Physics Paper 1 (39 decks)

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