Automotive & Engines

Intermediate

Braking Distance

Distance to stop from speed v with friction μ.

Formula

d = \frac{v^2}{2 \mu g}

Variables

dBraking distance (m)

vSpeed (m/s)

μFriction coefficient

gGravity 9.81

Example

v=25 m/s, μ=0.7: d = 625/13.7 ≈ 45.5 m

Did You Know?

Braking distance grows with the square of speed — doubling your speed quadruples the distance needed to stop.

automotive braking safety

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