What is the effect of a vehicle's weight on its stopping capabilities?

Heavier vehicles require a longer distance to stop primarily due to the principles of physics that govern motion and braking. When a vehicle is in motion, its mass contributes significantly to its momentum; the greater the mass, the more momentum it has at a given speed. To reduce or stop this momentum, more force must be applied, which translates into a longer braking distance.

Additionally, when brakes are applied, the brakes generate friction to slow the vehicle down, and heavier vehicles exert greater force on the braking system due to their weight. This means that, while the brakes are capable of exerting a certain amount of stopping force, it takes longer to overcome the inertia of a heavier vehicle compared to a lighter one. As a result, heavier vehicles not only need more road distance to come to a complete stop but also require more time for the braking system to effectively reduce their speed.

In contrast, lighter vehicles, with less mass and therefore less momentum, respond more quickly to braking actions, resulting in shorter stopping distances under similar conditions.