Question 1: Explain in your own words what is meant by 'stopping distance' in the context of vehicles.

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

Question 2: Identify the two main components that make up the total stopping distance.

Answer: Perception and reaction distance, and braking distance.

Question 1: Define 'braking force' and describe how it affects stopping distance.

Answer: Braking force is the force applied by the brakes to reduce the vehicle's speed; a greater braking force results in a shorter braking distance.

Question 2: What role does initial speed play in determining the total stopping distance?

Answer: Higher initial speed increases both perception distance and braking distance, leading to a longer total stopping distance.

Question 1: A car traveling at 20 m/s applies brakes with a force that results in an acceleration of -4 m/s². Calculate the braking distance using the formula: d = v² / (2a).

Answer: d = (20)^2 / (2 * 4) = 400 / 8 = 50 meters

Question 2: If a vehicle's initial speed increases to 25 m/s and the braking acceleration remains the same, what is the new braking distance?

Answer: d = (25)^2 / (2 * 4) = 625 / 8 = 78.125 meters

Question 1: Outline the variables involved in this experiment, specifying which are independent, dependent, and controlled variables.

Answer: Independent variable: initial speed of the vehicle; Dependent variable: braking distance; Controlled variables: type of vehicle, brake condition, surface type, weather conditions.

Question 2: List three safety precautions that should be taken when conducting such an experiment.

Answer: Ensure the area is clear of bystanders, use safety barriers or barriers to contain the vehicle, and wear protective equipment such as helmets and gloves.

Question 1: A vehicle traveling at 15 m/s has a perception distance of approximately 10 meters and a braking distance of 20 meters. What is the total stopping distance?

Answer: Total stopping distance = perception distance + braking distance = 10 m + 20 m = 30 meters.

Question 2: If the driver’s reaction time increases, how does this affect the total stopping distance, and why?

Answer: An increased reaction time increases perception distance, thus increasing the total stopping distance, because the vehicle continues at the initial speed for longer before braking.

Question 1: Explain how understanding stopping distances is important for vehicle safety and road design.

Answer: Knowing stopping distances helps in setting safe speed limits and designing roads with appropriate signage and road markings to prevent accidents.

Question 2: Discuss how modern vehicle technologies, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), influence stopping distances.

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