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Physics · Grades 10–12

Idealized braking distance

Assume straight-line motion and constant deceleration up to rest.

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Rule and assumptions

Assume straight-line motion and constant deceleration up to rest.

s = u²/(2b)

Worked examples

A cart moves at 24 m/s, then slows at a constant 10 m/s² to rest. Find its braking distance, excluding any reaction distance. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.

s = u²/(2b) 24² / (2 × 10) = 28.8

28.8 m

A cart moves at 27 m/s, then slows at a constant 8 m/s² to rest. Find its braking distance, excluding any reaction distance. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.

s = u²/(2b) 27² / (2 × 8) = 45.563

45.563 m

Try two questions

  1. A cart moves at 17 m/s, then slows at a constant 7 m/s² to rest. Find its braking distance, excluding any reaction distance. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.

  2. A cart moves at 32 m/s, then slows at a constant 2 m/s² to rest. Find its braking distance, excluding any reaction distance. Round to 3 decimal places if needed. Answer in m.

Answers and reasoning

Answers and marking notes
  1. 20.643 m

    s = u²/(2b) 17² / (2 × 7) = 20.643

  2. 256 m

    s = u²/(2b) 32² / (2 × 2) = 256

Further reading and review references

These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.

Learning preview · independent educational and translation review required. Suggested grades are not official curriculum alignment.