The driver applies the force shown in Figure 8 - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 2

The momentum of the car is given by the formula:

$p = mv$

where:

• $p$ is the momentum (24,000 kg m/s),
• $m$ is the mass of the car, and
• $v$ is the velocity.

Assuming a value of $v = 15$ m/s:

$24,000 = m imes 15$

The mass can be calculated as:

$m = \frac{24,000}{15} = 1,600 \text{ kg}$.

The stopping distance consists of both the thinking distance and the braking distance. When the driver is distracted, the reaction time increases, which lengthens the thinking distance before the driver applies the brakes. Thus, the overall stopping distance will be greater.

As the brakes are applied, work is done due to friction between the brake pads and the wheels. This friction converts kinetic energy into thermal energy, raising the temperature of the brakes. Continued use leads to further heat generation, causing the temperature to increase.