The braking distance is the distance that the car travels between the time the brakes are applied and the time it comes to a stop. It is determined by a number of factors, including the speed of the car, the amount of friction between the brake pads and rotors or drums, and the weight of the car.
Here's a more detailed explanation of what happens when brakes are applied to a car:
- The driver depresses the brake pedal.
- This mechanical action transmits force to the brake pads or shoes.
- The brake pads or shoes press against the brake rotors or drums.
- This creates friction between the pads or shoes and the rotors or drums, slowing down the vehicle.
- As the vehicle slows down, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted into heat energy.
- This heat energy is dissipated through the brake pads or shoes, the brake rotors or drums, and the air.
The process of braking can be summarised by the following formula:
```
Braking force = Friction coefficient x Normal force
```
Where:
- Braking force is the force that opposes the motion of the car
- Friction coefficient is the coefficient of friction between the brake pads or shoes and the rotors or drums
- Normal force is the force exerted by the brake pads or shoes on the rotors or drums
In a nutshell, when brakes are applied to a car, it's the friction between the brake pads and rotors or drums that causes the vehicle to slow down.
