Final answer:
The question does not provide enough information to definitively state whether it is true or false that a train travelling at 55 mph takes about 2 miles to stop. Stopping distances for trains can vary widely. Calculations based on a given deceleration rate suggest the distance may be greater, indicating the statement might be false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding whether it is true or false that a train takes about 2 miles to stop when travelling at 55 mph doesn't provide enough information to determine a true or false answer. Stopping distances for trains depend on a multitude of factors including the train's weight, the track conditions, the train's braking system, and weather conditions. However, the information provided later states that freight trains can decelerate at a rate of 0.550 m/s². If we were to apply this deceleration rate to a train travelling at 55 mph (which converts to approximately 24.6 m/s), we could calculate the stopping distance.
To find the stopping time, we use the formula: time = final velocity - initial velocity / acceleration. Substituting in our values (final velocity 0 m/s, initial velocity 24.6 m/s, acceleration -0.550 m/s²) gives us a time of approximately 44.7 seconds to stop.
The stopping distance can then be calculated using the formula: distance = 0.5 * (initial velocity + final velocity) * time. This would yield a distance much greater than 2 miles, indicating the initial statement might be false given this deceleration rate. However, without the exact deceleration rate for the specific train in question, we cannot provide a definitive true or false answer.