Final answer:
The answer to the question is D. braking distance, which specifically refers to the distance a vehicle travels during the time brakes are applied until it completely stops, after accounting for reaction time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distance a vehicle travels from the time the driver applies the brakes until the vehicle stops is known as the braking distance. However, the total stopping distance not only includes the braking distance but also the reaction distance, which is the distance traveled from the moment a driver perceives a threat until the brakes are applied. When calculating the total stopping distance, it's necessary to consider the driver's reaction time and the vehicle's initial velocity. For example, with a reaction time of 0.500 seconds and an initial velocity of 30.0 m/s, the car would continue to travel at this speed during the driver's reaction time. The stopping distance on dry or wet pavement can differ, as a wet surface typically increases the distance required for a vehicle to come to a complete halt.
The correct answer is d. braking distance. The braking distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the time the driver applies the brakes until the vehicle stops. It is determined by factors such as the initial velocity of the vehicle, the condition of the road, and the driver's reaction time. In the example given, the braking distances for dry and wet pavement are shown for a car initially traveling at 30.0 m/s. The total distance traveled from the point where the driver first sees a red light, including the reaction time, is also shown.