If a vehicle speed doubles from 20 mph to 40 mph, the distance needed to stop increases by how many times?

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Multiple Choice

If a vehicle speed doubles from 20 mph to 40 mph, the distance needed to stop increases by how many times?

Explanation:
The main idea is that braking distance grows with the square of your speed. When you brake, you have to dissipate the vehicle’s kinetic energy, which is proportional to v^2. If you double your speed, you’re dealing with four times as much energy to shed, and with a roughly constant braking force, that energy loss takes place over about four times as much distance. So, from 20 mph to 40 mph, the stopping distance (the braking portion) becomes about four times longer.

The main idea is that braking distance grows with the square of your speed. When you brake, you have to dissipate the vehicle’s kinetic energy, which is proportional to v^2. If you double your speed, you’re dealing with four times as much energy to shed, and with a roughly constant braking force, that energy loss takes place over about four times as much distance. So, from 20 mph to 40 mph, the stopping distance (the braking portion) becomes about four times longer.

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