Answer :
Final answer:
A 'no-zone' is commonly known as a blind spot(option a) around large vehicles, but it can also refer to a no-win zone at an intersection where a driver cannot stop safely or cross before the light turns red. The calculation involves determining stopping distances or necessary acceleration based on the driver's speed and vehicle capabilities.
Explanation:
A no-zone refers to an area around trucks, buses, and other large vehicles where the vehicle's operator has limited or zero visibility, commonly known as blind spots. However, in the context of driving a car and dealing with traffic signals, the term 'no-zone' can also refer to the no-win zone at an intersection. This is an area in which a driver, upon seeing a yellow light, has insufficient time to either stop safely before the intersection or to cross it completely before the light turns red.
Determining the Location of the No-Win Zone
Given that you're driving at a speed limit of 45 mph (which is approximately 20 m/s), and you have a maximum braking acceleration of 7.0 m/s², we can calculate the distance needed to stop and determine the location of the no-win zone. When the yellow light is activated, you have a 1-second decision time window to either stop or proceed. Using the equations of motion, we can calculate that the distance needed to stop (assuming immediate reaction time) is given by the formula d = v² / (2a), where v is the initial velocity and a is the acceleration due to braking.
Minimum Acceleration to 'Run' the Yellow
If a driver wants to accelerate to 'run' the yellow light from within the no-win zone, they would need to calculate the minimum acceleration needed to clear the intersection before the light turns red. The feasibility of this action would depend on the capability of the vehicle's acceleration and must also consider legal and safety implications