Stopping distances + SUVAT

• What is the stopping distance of a vehicle made up of?

  The sum of the thinking distance and the braking distance
• How is the stopping distance of a car defined?


  It is the total distance traveled during the time it takes to stop in an emergency
• What does the stopping distance consist of?

  The distance traveled as the driver makes the decision to stop plus the distance traveled as the driver applies the brakes
• What are the factors affecting vehicle stopping distance?

  • Vehicle speed: Greater speed increases braking distance
  • Vehicle mass: More mass increases stopping distance
  • Road conditions: Wet or icy roads reduce brake effectiveness
  • Driver reaction time: Distractions or fatigue increase thinking distance
• How does vehicle speed affect stopping distance?

  The greater the speed, the greater the vehicle's braking distance will be
• Why does greater speed increase braking distance?

  Because the brakes will need to do more work to bring the vehicle to a stop
• How does vehicle mass affect stopping distance?


  The more massive the vehicle, the more distance it will travel as it comes to a stop
• What effect do road conditions have on stopping distance?

  Wet or icy roads make the brakes less effective and the vehicle travels further as it comes to a stop
• How does driver reaction time influence stopping distance?

  Thinking distance is increased if the driver is distracted or tired
• What can increase a driver's thinking distance?

  Distractions such as a phone, satnav, radio, or a person
• What are some factors that can increase thinking distance related to the driver?


  Being tired, on certain types of medication, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• What is the equation used to relate final speed, initial speed, acceleration, and distance moved?

  (final speed)² = (initial speed)² + (2 × acceleration × distance moved)
• What does the variable 's' represent in the SUVAT equation?

  Distance moved in meters (m)
• What does the variable 'u' represent in the SUVAT equation?

  Initial speed in meters per second (m/s)
• What does the variable 'v' represent in the SUVAT equation?

  Final speed in meters per second (m/s)
• What does the variable 'a' represent in the SUVAT equation?

  Acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²)
• When is the SUVAT equation used?


  To calculate quantities such as initial or final speed, uniform acceleration, or distance moved when time taken is not known