Final answer:
The high beams should be lowered within a certain distance when approaching a car at night, typically recommended between 150 to 300 meters. As for the physics problem, it involves calculating the resolving power of the human eye using the Rayleigh criterion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When approaching a car from behind at night, it is recommended to lower your high beams to avoid dazzling the other driver. The distance at which you should do this is not explicitly mentioned in the question, as it may vary by jurisdiction. However, many regions suggest that you lower your high beams within 150 to 300 meters of the vehicle you're approaching.
To answer the student's physics problem, we can use the concept of resolving power of the human eye which depends on the diffraction limit.
The question regards the maximum distance at which car headlights, 1.3 meters apart, can be resolved. Assuming a pupil diameter of 0.40 cm and using the Rayleigh criterion, we can calculate the angle θ (in radians) of resolution as θ = 1.22λ/d. Using the average wavelength of light (λ) as 550 nm, we can solve for θ and then find the maximum distance using trigonometric relationships.
When approaching a car from behind at night, it is important to lower your high beams when you are within close proximity to the car. This is to avoid blinding the driver of the car in front of you, which can be dangerous and impede their ability to see the road clearly.
The general rule of thumb is to lower your high beams when you are within 200-300 feet of the car ahead of you. However, the exact distance may vary depending on the specific regulations and laws of your region.
By lowering your high beams, you allow the driver in front of you to see more clearly and reduce the risk of accidents or collisions. It is always important to prioritize the safety of yourself and others on the road.