Question 1: Define stopping distance in the context of vehicle safety.

Answer: The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment the driver applies the brakes until it comes to a complete stop.

Question 2: Explain how the reaction time of a driver affects the thinking distance.

Answer: Longer reaction times increase the thinking distance, as the vehicle continues to move while the driver reacts and applies the brakes.

Question 3: What are the main factors that influence the braking distance of a vehicle?

Answer: Initial speed of the vehicle, mass of the vehicle, condition of the brakes and tyres, road surface, and weather conditions.

Question 1: A car travelling at 20 m/s applies the brakes and comes to a stop in 5 seconds. Calculate its braking distance, assuming constant deceleration. Use the formula: braking distance = (initial velocity)^2 / (2 × deceleration).

Answer: 200 metres

Question 2: If the initial speed of a vehicle is 25 m/s and the braking distance is 312.5 metres, what is the average deceleration during braking?

Answer: 2 m/s^2

Question 1: Describe a simple experimental setup to measure the braking distance of a vehicle on a test track. Include variables that should be controlled.

Answer: Use a vehicle on a flat, straight test track with a known initial speed. Measure the distance from the point where brakes are applied to where the vehicle comes to rest, using measuring tapes or electronic sensors. Control variables include initial speed, tyre condition, brake condition, and road surface to ensure consistent results.

Question 2: Identify two safety precautions that should be taken when conducting experiments to measure stopping distances.

Answer: Ensure the vehicle is operated in a controlled environment with safety barriers, and wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets and reflective clothing.

Question 1: A vehicle travelling at 15 m/s requires 3 seconds to stop. The vehicle’s mass is 1500 kg. Calculate the average braking force applied during stopping.

Answer: 6750 N

Question 2: If the reaction time of a driver increases from 0.75 seconds to 1.25 seconds, how does this affect the total stopping distance, assuming constant braking distance? Explain your reasoning.

Answer: The total stopping distance increases because the thinking distance (reaction distance) is proportional to reaction time. An increase of 0.5 seconds in reaction time results in a longer thinking distance, thus increasing overall stopping distance.

Question 1: Explain how understanding stopping distances can influence safety regulations in the automotive industry.

Answer: It helps establish safe speed limits and braking requirements, improves vehicle safety features, and informs driver training to reduce accidents caused by excessive stopping distances.

Question 2: Describe how advances in technology, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), impact stopping distances and vehicle safety.

Answer: ABS prevents wheel lock-up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and reducing stopping distances, especially on slippery surfaces, thereby enhancing safety.