Final answer:
The total stopping distance when driving at 55 mph on dry pavement will likely exceed half the length of a football field and could be close to the entire length or more; however, precise measurements require specific vehicle and road condition data.
Step-by-step explanation:
When driving a vehicle at 55 mph on dry pavement, the total stopping distance required will be more than just the length of the vehicle or twice that length; it's a significant distance due to multiple factors involved in the stopping process. The total stopping distance is a combination of the perception reaction time and the physical braking distance. Assuming a reaction time of 0.500 seconds and an initial speed of 55 mph (which is approximately 24.6 m/s, not 30.0 m/s as mentioned in the reference), the car will travel a certain distance while the driver is reacting, and then additional distance while the car is coming to a stop. While the references provide some guidance, they calculate for a speed of 30.0 m/s, which is equivalent to roughly 67 mph, so these values will need to be adjusted for the actual speed. The precise stopping distance can vary based on factors such as the condition of the brakes, the weight of the vehicle, tire condition, and road conditions. However, for a general idea and in good conditions, the stopping distance at 55 mph will typically be greater than c. half the length of a football field but could be closer to d. the length of a whole football field or even more. Therefore, the answer is likely closer to d, but without knowing specific vehicle and road conditions, providing an exact distance is challenging.