Forces
Stopping Distance
To explain what stopping distance is and how thinking distance and braking distance contribute to it.
What you will learn
What stopping distance means
How thinking and braking distances add together
Why speed affects total stopping distance
How to calculate stopping distance from given data
Why stopping distance matters for road safety
Explanation
Stopping distance is thinking distance plus braking distance. Thinking distance is travelled while the driver reacts; braking distance is travelled while brakes slow the vehicle. Keep the phases distinct when interpreting data or explaining effects of driver condition, road surface and speed. Example: Thinking distance is 35 m and braking distance 65 m. Calculate stopping distance. Stopping distance = 35 + 65 = 100 m. Use clear labels. Explain the result. Relate the result to the physical model.