A cyclist carries out two braking tests using the same bicycle and rider on the same level track. The initial speeds are 4.0 m/s and 12 m/s. The brakes exert the same constant braking force in both tests.
The cyclist predicts that the braking distance at 12 m/s will be three times the braking distance at 4.0 m/s.
Explain why the cyclist's prediction is incorrect.
126 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 2.5 Stopping and braking distances, covering 2.5.1 Stopping distance and reaction time, 2.5.2 Factors affecting stopping distance, 2.5.3 Dangers of large decelerations, and 2.5.4 Braking distance and initial speed. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.