Question

If three identical vehicles are traveling at the same speeds, but one is on a level surface, one is going uphill, and one is going downhill, which will have the shortest stopping distance?

a)The one on a level surface
b)The one going uphill
c)The one going downhill
d) All will have the same stopping distance

Answer 1

The vehicle going uphill will have the shortest stopping distance because the gravitational pull works against its motion, aiding the braking process.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vehicle with the shortest stopping distance will be the one going uphill (b). This is due to the fact that going uphill, the gravitational potential energy increases, which requires part of the kinetic energy to be converted into potential energy, counteracting some of the vehicle's forward motion and aiding in the stopping process. On the other hand, the vehicle on the level surface will not have this assistance, and the one going downhill is aided by gravity, potentially increasing its stopping distance due to the additional forward force. Thus, the uphill vehicle will require less braking force to come to a stop than the ones on level ground or going downhill.