A car of mass m travelling with a velocity v comes to rest over a distance d in time t. The constant frictional force acting on the car while it is braking is found using:

Newton's Second Law: F=maa=v-u/tUsing SUVAT equations: v2= u2+2asv (final velocity)=0 u(inital velocity)= v s=d Rearranging gives: -v2=2ad a=-v2/2d Therefore F= -mv2/2dNegative sign suggests the car is slowing down (negative acceleration)



GH
Answered by Ghafoor H. Physics tutor

8084 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain Newton’s law of Gravitation


What is an inertial frame of reference?


Given that a light ray enters a glass prism at angle of 50 degrees from the normal and is refracted to an angle of 30 degrees from the normal, calculate the speed of light in glass.


What is Newton's Third Law and what is an example of it?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning