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During bad weather, how much longer does it take for a truck to stop compared to a car?

1) 20%
2) 25%
3) 30%
4) 35%

User Slenkra
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2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

It's impossible to determine exactly how much longer it takes for a truck to stop compared to a car without specific data on vehicle weights, tire conditions, and road surfaces. Wet and slippery conditions due to rain increase stopping distances for all vehicles, but the percentage increase can vary widely.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question you've asked pertains to the physics of braking distances under poor weather conditions. When considering how much longer it takes for a truck to stop compared to a car, we need to account for several factors. These include the distance a driver covers before initiating a stop (reaction distance), the time it takes for the vehicle to come to a complete stop once brakes are applied (braking distance), and the total stopping distance. The exact percentage by which a truck's stopping distance increases compared to a car during bad weather depends on several conditions such as road surface, the weight of the vehicle, tire conditions, and maintenance of the brakes. Without specific data provided for trucks versus cars, a precise answer cannot be derived solely based on the information given.

During wet conditions, the road becomes slippery due to oil and gasoline residue mixing with rainwater, reducing tire traction and thus increasing stopping distances. Similarly, heavy rain can further reduce visibility and tire grip on the road, leading to longer stopping times. As for the multiple-choice options provided (20%, 25%, 30%, 35%), these cannot be accurately determined without additional context or data about the specific vehicles and conditions.

In summary, while bad weather undoubtedly affects stopping times for vehicles, quantifying the difference in stopping distance between a truck and a car requires detailed analysis of the aforementioned factors.

User Silly
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7.4k points
4 votes

Final answer:

Without detailed information about road conditions and the vehicle's specific characteristics, we cannot provide an exact percentage of the increase in stopping distance for a truck compared to a car during bad weather.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distance needed for a truck to stop compared to that of a car during bad weather cannot be specified by a set percentage without more data. Factors such as the type of tires, weight of the vehicle, and the condition of the brakes play significant roles. Generally, larger vehicles like trucks take a longer distance to stop than smaller vehicles like cars, especially under adverse weather conditions. This is due to their larger mass and the greater momentum they have to overcome.

To accurately determine how much longer it takes for a truck to stop compared to a car, we need to know:

  • The distance the driver covers before hitting the brakes.
  • How long it takes the truck to stop after hitting the brakes.
  • What total distance the truck covers to stop.

Once we have this information, we can calculate the percentage difference. If light rain mixes with oil and gasoline on the road, it can make the surface slippery, reducing tire traction and increasing the stopping distance. A heavy rain can wash away the oil and lessen the effect, but it may still cause hydroplaning.

User Rodrigo Ribeiro
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7.9k points