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Physics · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · P5

Stopping distance

Key ideas1 of 3

Two distances make one stop

Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance. Thinking distance is the distance travelled while the driver reacts, before the brakes begin to act. Braking distance is the distance travelled while the brakes slow the vehicle to rest. In this illustrative stop, thinking distance is 12 m and braking distance is 24 m, so total stopping distance = 12 + 24 = 36 m. The animation separates the reaction stage from the braking stage.

Hazard recognised: the car is moving at 20 m/s.

Next: Reaction time →
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Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Foundation + Higher · P5. Twenty core lessons, followed by five labelled Higher Tier lessons.

AQA Combined Science Trilogy 8464 · 6.5.4.3.1. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.