Stopping Distance Formula

What is Stopping Distance?

Stopping distance is defined as the total distance that an automobile travels in a time sequence of events, starting with when a driver makes up his mind to stop until the automobile has stopped completely. Such factors include vehicles' speed, road conditions, and driver reaction time.

The stopping distance is the distance traveled between the time when the body decides to stop a moving vehicle and the time when the vehicle stops completely. The stopping distance is dependent on the road surface, and reflexes of the car's driver, and it is denoted by d.

Formula 

Stopping Distance formula is given by,

Where,

• d = stopping distance (m)

• v = velocity (m/s)

• μ = friction coefficient

• g = acceleration due to gravity (9.8m/s2)

The stopping distance formula is also represented as,

Where,

• k = a constant of proportionality

• v = velocity

Solved Problems 

Problem 1: A car is moving with a velocity of 40 m/s and then it brakes suddenly. Calculate the proportionality constant if the distance traveled by the body is 10 m before it comes to rest.

Solution:

Given,

v = 40 m/s

d = 10 m

The proportionality constant is given as,

   = 10 / 1600

   = 0.00625.

Problem 2: A cycle travels at a speed of 15 m/s and applies its brakes. If the constant of proportionality is 0.9, find out how far will it stop.

Solution:

Given,

Velocity, v = 15 m/s

Constant of proportionality k = 0.9,

The stopping distance is

 d = 0.9 × 225  

 d= 202.5 m

 

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