Factors Affecting Braking Distance (OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes

Braking distance depends on how effective the braking force is. Several factors can influence this distance:

• Speed of the vehicle: The faster the vehicle is travelling, the longer the distance it will cover while braking.
• Road and weather conditions: Wet, snowy, or icy roads decrease the friction between the tyres and the road, causing the vehicle to skid and increasing the braking distance.
• Tyre condition: Worn tyres with reduced tread also lower friction between the tyres and the road, causing the car to skid more and increasing the braking distance.
• Brake condition: If the vehicle's brakes are worn, the friction between the brakes and the wheels is reduced, decreasing the braking force and increasing the braking distance.