Final answer:
When stopping from first, second, or reverse gears, the distance covered before hitting the brakes, the time taken to stop, and the total distance covered are determined by factors such as initial speed, braking force, mass, and coefficient of friction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When stopping from first, second, or reverse gears, several factors come into play. The distance the driver covers before hitting the brakes depends on the initial speed of the vehicle and the reaction time of the driver. The time it takes for the vehicle to stop after hitting the brakes depends on factors such as the braking force, the mass of the vehicle, and the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road surface. The total distance the vehicle covers to stop is the sum of the distance covered during the driver's reaction time and the distance covered during the braking time.