SUMMARY
The maximum reaction time for a ranger to avoid hitting a deer while driving at 47 kilometers per hour, with a braking acceleration of -2.6 meters per second squared, is calculated by analyzing two phases: the reaction phase and the braking phase. The initial distance to the deer is 72 meters. The ranger's velocity remains constant during the reaction time, and after this period, the vehicle decelerates until it stops. The calculations reveal that the maximum reaction time is approximately 2.5 seconds.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of kinematic equations for motion
- Familiarity with units of speed (kilometers per hour to meters per second conversion)
- Knowledge of acceleration and its effects on velocity
- Ability to solve quadratic equations
NEXT STEPS
- Study kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion
- Learn how to convert speed units from kilometers per hour to meters per second
- Explore the implications of negative acceleration on stopping distances
- Practice solving problems involving reaction times and braking distances
USEFUL FOR
Students in physics, automotive safety engineers, and anyone interested in understanding vehicle stopping distances and reaction times in emergency situations.