Final answer:
The average stopping distance for a car at 55mph usually exceeds 200 feet. This total includes both the driver's reaction distance and the braking distance under typical conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked what the average stopping distance is for a car traveling at 55mph. The stopping distance can vary greatly depending on several factors including driver reaction time, road conditions, and vehicle speed. According to physics, stopping distance is determined by two main components: the distance covered during the driver's reaction time plus the distance it takes for the car to come to a complete stop once the brakes are applied Reaction time is typically assumed to be around 0.5 seconds. During this reaction time, the car continues to move at its original speed. Once the brakes are applied, the stopping distance is affected by the speed of the vehicle, the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road surface, and the braking capabilities of the car. Typically, the average stopping distance for a car traveling at 55mph (about 88 feet per second) could be estimated to be more than 200 feet, combining both reaction distance and braking distance. This assumes good road conditions and a typical reaction time. It's crucial to note that any changes in these factors can greatly affect the actual stopping distance.