physics of braking

Braking slows a vehicle by converting its kinetic energy— the energy of motion— into heat. When you press the brake pedal, brake pads press against the brake discs or drums, creating friction. This friction opposes the vehicle’s motion, reducing its speed. The braking system harnesses this friction to transfer the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat, which is dissipated into the environment. The effectiveness depends on the materials used and how well the system maintains contact. Proper braking allows controlled deceleration and safe stopping by managing the energy exchange between motion and heat.