Final answer:
The stopping distance of a car traveling at 55 mph is around 303 feet, accounting for both the driver's reaction time and the braking distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stopping distance of an average passenger car traveling at 55 mph is a function of both the reaction time of the driver and the braking capability of the car. Upon seeing a red light or an obstacle, the driver takes a certain reaction time to begin braking. This time is usually assumed to be around 0.500 seconds in various physics problems. During this time, the car continues to travel at the initial speed. After the reaction phase, the brakes are applied, and the car begins to slow down until it comes to a stop. The total stopping distance is the sum of the distance traveled during the reaction time and the braking distance, which can vary with road conditions, such as dry or wet pavement.
Calculating the actual stopping distance for a car at a specific speed requires knowledge of the car's deceleration capability and the reaction time. However, as your question does not provide specific values for reaction time or deceleration, and based on typical standard calculations, the approximate stopping distance for an average car traveling at 55 mph (88.5 km/h or 24.6 m/s) is approximately 303 feet (Option A).