Dangers of Large Decelerations
Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.3.24
Dangers of Large Decelerations
The greater the braking force, the greater the deceleration of the vehicle. Large decelerations can cause brakes to overheat and/or the car to skid. A larger deceleration will transfer more stopping force to passengers. This harms passengers. Compare these situations:
Traffic lights
- When a typical family car decelerates at a set of traffic lights, only a small force is exerted on (applied to) the passengers.
- This is because the deceleration happens over a long period of time.
- The force should not be enough to harm the passengers.
Emergency stop
- When a typical family car suddenly stops on the road to avoid a collision, a greater force is exerted on (applied to) the passengers.
- This is because the deceleration happens over a shorter period of time.
Crash
- When a typical family car suddenly is stopped by a crash, an even greater force is applied to the passengers than the last example.
- This is because the deceleration happens in even less time.
- This could harm passengers.
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