Linear Motion and suvat equations

Question 1

Define Thinking distance.

Answer 1

Distance travelled when the driver sees a problem and the time at which the brakes are applied. Thinking distance = speed x reaction time. Where reaction time is dependent on tiredness, alcohol or drug use, illness and distractions.

Question 2

Define Braking distance.

Answer 2

The distance travelled from when the driver apples the brakes until the vehicle stops. It is affected by the road conditions and the quality/wear of the tyres.

Question 3

Define Stopping distance.

Answer 3

The distance travelled from the driver seeing a problem to the vehicle coming to a complete stop. Stopping distance = Thinking distance +Braking distance.

Question 4

Define Reaction time.

Answer 4

The time taken between the driver seeing a problem and reacting to the problem (i.e. applying the brakes).