A motorist traveling at 10m/s, was able to bring his car to rest in a distance of 10m. If he had been traveling at 30m/s, in what distance could he bring his cart to rest using the same breaking force?

By just a quick look you might be tempted to say 30 m. However the key information is that the breaking force is the same. We can calculate the deceleration of the car when at 10m/s using the equation of motion:

v2=u2+2as (1),

where u is the initial velocity= 10 m/s, v the final velocity which is zero since it stops, s displacement and a acceleration. By substituting the values you end up with an acceleration a= -5 m/s2. In order to find the force of the car, we use the equation

F=ma (Newton's Second Law) (2),

where F is the  breaking force, m is the mass of the car and a is the acceleration(here deceleration). Thus, F= 5m N. However since the mass of the car doesn't change when it travels at 30 m/s and the force is the same, deceleration is the same too. Using the same equation of motion (1), with values u=30m/s, v=0m/s, a=5m/s2 we find that s=90 m which is the distance travelled before the car comes to a stop.

CT
Answered by Charis T. Physics tutor

22299 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Define the terms "acceleration" and "displacement". Explain simple harmonic motion with reference to both of these quantities.


What are the SUVAT equations and how can I remember them?


What is the root mean square voltage of an alternating current?


If a ball of mass 5kg is dropped from rest, how far will it travel in the 3 seconds after it reaches 150m from it's original position? Write down the change in it's total energy after the 3 seconds. (ignoring air resistance)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning