Topic Summaries

Braking force

IGCSE > Physics > CIE > IGCSE Physics Topic Summaries > Stopping, braking, and momentum > Braking force
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Science skills: Measuring results

  • When a vehicle applies its brakes, the brakes apply a frictional (braking) force to the wheels. This frictional force does work to transfer kinetic energy away from the wheels and hence the vehicle. This energy is stored in the brakes and causes them to heat up.
  • At higher speeds, the braking force will need to be larger, which will increase the work done by the braking force. This creates a risk of the brakes overheating and the driver losing control of the vehicle.
  • For example, a 1500 kg car travelling on a motorway would need a braking force of -6000 N to come to a stop, while a 35,000 kg truck travelling at the same speed would need a force of -90,000 N to stop.

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