Final answer:
To calculate the minimum stopping distance, consider the force of static friction on different road conditions. For a rainy day and dry surface, use the given coefficients of static friction to calculate the distance over which the force can decelerate the car to a stop.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the minimum stopping distance, we need to consider the force of static friction. The force of static friction can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of static friction by the normal force. On a horizontal surface, the normal force is equal to the weight of the car, which can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the car by the acceleration due to gravity.
(a) On a rainy day, the coefficient of static friction is given as 0.105. So, the force of static friction is 0.105 times the weight of the car. To find the minimum stopping distance, we need to calculate the distance over which this force can decelerate the car to a stop.
(b) When the surface is dry, the coefficient of static friction is given as 0.597. Following the same process as in part (a), we can calculate the minimum stopping distance.