Question 1: Explain in your own words what is meant by 'braking distance' and why it is an important factor in vehicle safety.

Answer: Braking distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop. It is important for safety because longer braking distances increase the risk of accidents.

Question 1: What are the main factors that influence the braking distance of a vehicle?

Answer: Factors include the initial speed of the vehicle, the condition of the brakes and tires, the road surface, and the vehicle's mass.

Question 2: Describe how the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle relates to its braking distance.

Answer: The kinetic energy, which depends on mass and velocity squared (KE = 1/2 m v^2), must be dissipated by the brakes. The higher the kinetic energy, the longer the braking distance needed to stop the vehicle.

Question 1: A car traveling at 20 m/s (about 45 mph) requires 50 meters to stop. Assuming constant deceleration, calculate the braking distance if the car's initial speed increases to 30 m/s. Use the formula: s = v^2 / (2a), where s is braking distance, v is initial velocity, and a is acceleration.

Answer: Braking distance at 30 m/s is 45 meters.

Question 2: If a vehicle's initial speed is 25 m/s and the braking distance is 80 meters, what is the average deceleration during braking? Use the formula: a = v^2 / (2s).

Answer: Deceleration is 3.91 m/s^2.

Question 1: List three safety precautions a driver should take to minimize braking distance in wet or icy conditions.

Answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and ensure brakes and tires are in good condition.

Question 2: Identify at least two variables that can be adjusted or controlled to reduce braking distance in a vehicle.

Answer: Reducing initial speed and ensuring optimal brake and tire condition.

Question 1: A vehicle traveling at 15 m/s takes 30 meters to stop on dry asphalt. On wet asphalt, the same vehicle takes 50 meters to stop at the same initial speed. Explain why the braking distance increases on wet surfaces.

Answer: Braking distance increases on wet surfaces because the grip between the tires and the road decreases, reducing the frictional force that helps stop the vehicle. This results in longer stopping distances and increased safety risks.

Question 1: Explain how understanding braking distance is important in the design of modern braking systems like anti-lock braking systems (ABS).

Answer: Understanding braking distance helps engineers design ABS that prevent wheel lockup, allowing drivers to maintain steering control and reducing stopping distances in emergencies.