Stopping Distance: Calculations & Formulae
Science
GCSE Foundation
11 questions
~22 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A Physics worksheet covering the concept of stopping distance, including calculations, practical understanding, and real-world applications for GCSE Foundation students.
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Stopping Distance: Calculations & Formulae
Subject: ScienceGrade: GCSE Foundation
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE Foundation
A
Introduction to Stopping Distance
Read the following explanation carefully and answer the questions below.
1.
Stopping distance is the total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver detects a hazard until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. It consists of thinking distance and braking distance. Explain in your own words what factors can influence the total stopping distance of a vehicle.
[3 marks]B
Concept Review
Answer the following questions to test your understanding of the basic concepts.
1.
Define 'thinking distance' in the context of vehicle stopping distances.
[2 marks]2.
List three factors that can increase braking distance.
[3 marks]3.
Describe how the reaction time of a driver affects the total stopping distance.
[2 marks]C
Calculations on Stopping Distance
Use the formulas provided to solve the following numerical problems. Show all your working.
1.
A car travelling at 20 m/s has a braking distance of 50 metres. Calculate the deceleration of the car assuming a constant deceleration. Use the formula: v² = u² + 2as, where v = final velocity (0 m/s), u = initial velocity, s = distance, and a = acceleration.
[4 marks]2.
If a vehicle's initial speed increases from 15 m/s to 30 m/s, by what factor does the stopping distance increase, assuming the same braking conditions?
[4 marks]D
Practical Application & Variables
Answer the following questions based on practical scenarios and safety considerations.
1.
Describe the key variables that a driver can control to reduce their stopping distance and explain how each factor influences it.
[6 marks]2.
Outline safety precautions a driver should take in poor visibility conditions to minimise stopping distance.
[6 marks]E
Data Analysis & Scenario Interpretation
Read the scenario and answer the questions based on the data provided.
1.
A driver notices a hazard at a distance of 100 metres while travelling at 25 m/s. The driver's reaction time is 1.5 seconds, and the braking distance at this speed is 80 metres. Calculate the total stopping distance and discuss whether the driver has enough time to stop safely before reaching the hazard.
[5 marks]F
Real-World Applications
Consider the following scenarios and answer the questions.
1.
Explain how understanding stopping distances is important for designing safer braking systems in modern vehicles, including the role of anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
[6 marks]2.
Discuss how road conditions, such as wet or icy surfaces, affect stopping distances and what measures drivers can take to mitigate these effects.
[6 marks]Quick Actions
What is Remix?
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet