GCSE Physics Revision — Stopping Distance
Revise Stopping Distance for GCSE Physics with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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What is Stopping Distance?
The stopping distance of a vehicle is the total distance it travels from the moment the driver spots a hazard to the moment the vehicle comes to a complete stop. It is the sum of the thinking distance (the distance travelled during the driver's reaction time) and the braking distance (the distance travelled while the brakes are applied).
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The relationship between speed and braking distance is a key point for Higher Tier.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
A car is travelling at 20 m/s. The driver's reaction time is 0.5s. What is the thinking distance? Solution: Thinking Distance = Speed x Reaction Time. Thinking Distance = 20 m/s x 0.5s = 10m.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing thinking distance and braking distance. Thinking distance depends on reaction time and speed. Braking distance depends on speed, mass, and factors affecting friction like road conditions and brake quality.
- 2Thinking that stopping distance is directly proportional to speed. The thinking distance is, but the braking distance is proportional to the square of the speed. This means doubling your speed quadruples your braking distance.
- 3Forgetting to mention all the factors that can affect stopping distance. These include driver-related factors (tiredness, alcohol, distractions) and vehicle/road factors (worn brakes/tyres, wet/icy roads).
Stopping Distance exam questions
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Frequently asked questions
What factors affect thinking distance?
Thinking distance is primarily affected by the driver's reaction time, which can be increased by tiredness, alcohol, drugs, or distractions like using a mobile phone. It is also directly proportional to the speed of the vehicle.
What factors affect braking distance?
Braking distance is affected by the vehicle's speed (it increases with the square of the speed), its mass, the condition of its brakes and tyres, and the road conditions (e.g., wet or icy roads reduce friction).