High School

In the study of how speed affects the braking distance of a car, which of the following hypotheses would likely yield the following output?

"Speed directly influences the braking distance of a car."

a) As speed increases, the braking distance of a car decreases.

b) The braking distance of a car is unrelated to its speed.

c) Braking distance is determined solely by the car's weight.

d) Speed has no effect on the braking distance of a car.

Answer :

Final answer:

The correct option is a which is '"As speed increases, the braking distance of a car decreases". The hypothesis regarding speed and braking distance, terminal speed dependency on mass, and work and kinetic energy at high speeds are explained.

Explanation:

The correct option is a which is '"As speed increases, the braking distance of a car decreases". In the study of how speed affects braking distance, the hypothesis that would likely yield the output 'Speed directly influences the braking distance of a car' is option a) 'As speed increases, the braking distance of a car decreases.' This hypothesis suggests a direct relationship between speed and braking distance, whereas speed increases, the braking distance decreases.

Terminal speed and mass: As mass increases, terminal speed decreases. This is because a heavier object requires more force to accelerate and decelerate, leading to a lower terminal speed. Work and kinetic energy at high speeds: The rapid increase in stopping distance at high speeds is because at higher speeds, the kinetic energy of the car increases significantly, requiring more work to be done to stop the car.