Enter the initial speed and the deceleration into the calculator to determine the distance required to come to a stop.
Deceleration Distance Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the deceleration distance:
d = (v²) / (2 * a)
Variables:
- d is the deceleration distance (meters)
- v is the initial speed (meters per second)
- a is the deceleration (meters per second squared)
To calculate the deceleration distance, square the initial speed, then divide by twice the deceleration.
What is Deceleration Distance?
Deceleration distance is the distance required for a moving object to come to a complete stop when a constant deceleration is applied. It is a critical factor in vehicle safety and is used to design roadways, runways, and safety systems. Understanding the deceleration distance can help in preventing accidents by ensuring that sufficient space is available to stop a vehicle safely.
How to Calculate Deceleration Distance?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Deceleration Distance.
- First, determine the initial speed (v) in meters per second.
- Next, determine the deceleration (a) in meters per second squared.
- Next, gather the formula from above = d = (v²) / (2 * a).
- Finally, calculate the Deceleration Distance (d) in meters.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Initial speed (v) = 20 m/s
Deceleration (a) = 5 m/s²
