Brakes work by converting the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy through friction. When the brake pedal is pressed, a piston pushes brake fluid into the brake lines. The brake fluid applies pressure to the brake pads, which rub against the rotors. The friction between the brake pads and rotors slows down the rotation of the wheels, which slows down the vehicle.
Acceleration, centrifugal force, and momentum are not involved in the braking process.