Topic 2) Stopping distances Flashcards
what is the equation for stopping distance?
stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance
what is thinking distance?
the distance a vehicle travels in the time it takes for the driver to stop
what is braking distance?
the distance a vehicle travels after the driver has applied the brake
what are factors that effect reaction times?
tiredness
drugs
alcohol
distractions
what do longer reaction times do?
increase the thinking distance
what can increase braking distance?
poor road conditions
poor vehicle conditions
more mass in the vehicle
what happens when force is applied to the brakes of a vehicle?
there is work done by the friction between the brakes and the wheel
this reduces kinetic energy, slowing it down
how are the thinking distance and the starting speed related?
the thinking distance is proportional to the starting speed
why are the thinking distance and the starting speed proportional?
because the reaction time is taken as a constant, and distance = speed x time
what happens when the starting speed doubles?
the braking distance increases 4 times
what is the equation for kinetic energy?
kinetic energy = 1/2 x mass x (velocity)^2
