# A car is travelling along a road when the driver notices ice on the road surface ahead. Describe the effect of icy road conditions on the thinking distance and braking distance of the car, and explain why the total stopping distance is increased.

> OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249) — P8 Global challenges · Describe · 4 marks

> Road safety experts warn that stopping distances can increase significantly in winter conditions, particularly when ice is present on the road surface.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Thinking distance is not affected by icy road conditions / thinking distance remains the same
2. Braking distance is increased by icy road conditions
3. Ice reduces the friction between the tyres and the road
4. Because stopping distance is the sum of thinking distance and braking distance, and braking distance has increased, the total stopping distance is greater

## Key terms

- [thinking distance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/thinking-distance)
- [braking distance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/braking-distance)
- [stopping distance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/stopping-distance)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-car-is-travelling-along-a-9c8af385) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.