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Forces and motion key terms
Study Forces and motion with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
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key terms
Resource type
Topic
Forces and motion
Key terms
thinking distance
The distance travelled by a vehicle during the driver's reaction time before applying the brakes.
reaction time
The time taken for a driver to respond to a stimulus, such as seeing a hazard, before taking action.
Braking distance
The distance travelled by a vehicle while the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop.
Brakes
Devices used to slow down or stop a vehicle by applying friction to its wheels.
thinking distance
The distance travelled during the driver's reaction time before applying the brakes.
braking distance
The distance travelled while the brakes are applied until the vehicle comes to a stop.
braking distance
The distance travelled by a vehicle while the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop.
speed
The distance travelled per unit time, typically measured in metres per second (m/s) or kilometres per hour (km/h).
reaction time
The time taken for a driver to respond to a stimulus, affecting stopping distance.
distraction
Any factor that diverts a driver's attention, potentially increasing reaction time.
braking distance
The distance travelled by a vehicle while the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop.
road conditions
The state of the road surface, which can affect vehicle traction and braking performance.
braking distance
The distance travelled by a vehicle while the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop.
reaction time
The time taken for a driver to respond to a stimulus, affecting the distance travelled before braking.
stopping distance
The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver perceives a need to stop until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
thinking distance
The distance a vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time before applying the brakes.
stopping distance
The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a driver perceives a need to stop until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
reaction time
The time taken for a driver to respond to a stimulus, such as the need to stop, which contributes to the overall stopping distance.
braking distance
The distance travelled while the brakes are applied.
work done
The energy transferred when a force is applied over a distance.
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