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GCSE Physics · key term
The distance travelled from when the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.5.6.3.1, 4.5.6.3.3, 4.5.6.3.4 · Paper 2
The distance a vehicle travels from when the brakes are applied until it comes to rest.
Revise: Stopping distanceThe distance travelled during the reaction is the thinking distance; the distance travelled after the brakes are applied is the braking distance.
The distance travelled by a vehicle from the moment its brakes begin to act until the vehicle stops.
Keep thinking distance and braking distance separate: braking distance begins only when the brakes act.
For an explanation, link the condition to reduced friction or braking force, then to smaller deceleration and a longer braking distance.
When comparing speeds under the same braking conditions, use the square relationship: multiply the speed by a factor and the braking distance by the square of that factor.
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The distance a vehicle travels from when its brakes are applied until it stops.
Specification 2.28, 2.29, 2.32P, 2.33P · Paper 1
The distance travelled by a vehicle from when the brakes are applied until the vehicle comes to rest.
Revise: Stopping Distance ComponentsSecond, once the brakes have been applied, the moving vehicle slows down but continues travelling until it stops. This is the braking distance.
The distance travelled after the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops.
The distance travelled from the moment the brakes begin to act until the vehicle stops.
Specification P8.1e, P8.1f, P8.1h · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
The distance a vehicle travels after the brakes have been applied until it stops.
Revise: Stopping distance factorsBraking distance is the distance travelled from applying the brakes to coming to rest. Brakes or tyres in poor condition can make braking less effective. Wet or icy roads reduce the grip available between tyres and road, so the vehicle may take longer to stop.
The distance travelled from the start of braking until the vehicle stops.
The distance a vehicle travels after its brakes are applied until it stops.
Paper 1, Paper 2
The distance a vehicle travels from the application of its brakes until it becomes stationary.
Revise: Reaction Time, Stopping Distances and Road SafetyDuring this reaction time, the vehicle continues at approximately its original speed and covers the thinking distance. It then slows while the brakes act, covering the braking distance.