What factor can greatly affect a large truck's stopping distance?

The weight of the truck and its load is a crucial factor that significantly influences a large truck's stopping distance. Heavier vehicles require more time and distance to come to a complete stop due to the increased momentum they possess. The basic physics principle at work here is that a greater mass leads to increased kinetic energy, which must be overcome by the braking system. This means that as the weight of the truck increases, the brakes need to exert much more force over a longer period of time to effectively bring the vehicle to a halt.

In practice, this becomes particularly important when considering factors such as road conditions, the type of braking system installed, and how loaded the truck is at any given time. A fully loaded large truck will have a longer stopping distance compared to an empty one, making weight a critical consideration for safety and driving performance.