🚗 Part 1: Testing the Claim - "The faster you go, the bigger the mess"

Kinematic Equations for Constant Acceleration:

v_f = v_i + at d = v_it + ½at² v_f² = v_i² + 2ad d = (v_f + v_i)t/2

1. A car travelling at 20 m/s applies brakes with constant deceleration of -6 m/s². Calculate the stopping distance.

2. The same car now travels at 40 m/s (double the speed) with the same braking force. Calculate the new stopping distance.

3. Compare your answers from questions 1 and 2. What happens to stopping distance when speed doubles?

It doubles

It triples

It quadruples

It stays the same

4. Real-world scenario: You're driving at 25 m/s and see a pedestrian 45 metres ahead. Your reaction time is 1.2 seconds, then you brake with deceleration of -7 m/s². Will you stop in time?

📊 Part 2: Data Analysis - Speed vs Stopping Distance

5. Complete the table below for a car with braking deceleration of -8 m/s²:

Initial Speed (m/s)	Stopping Distance (m)	Show calculation
10	_______
20	_______
30	_______
40	_______

6. Based on your table, what mathematical relationship exists between speed and stopping distance?

7. A truck needs 80 metres to stop from 30 m/s. Calculate its deceleration.

🧠 Part 3: Critical Evaluation

8. Using your calculations as evidence, evaluate the claim: "The faster you go, the bigger the mess." Is this statement scientifically accurate? Explain your reasoning.

9. What assumptions do kinematic equations make that might not apply in real driving situations? List three factors.

a) _________________________________________________

b) _________________________________________________

c) _________________________________________________

10. A safety campaign claims: "At 50 km/h you're twice as likely to have a serious crash than at 40 km/h." Convert these speeds to m/s and calculate the stopping distance ratio to test if this claim has merit.

11. Conclusion: How would you improve the slogan "The faster you go, the bigger the mess" to make it more scientifically accurate?