Under ideal conditions, a vehicle traveling at 50 mph can stop in approximately how many feet?

When considering the stopping distance of a vehicle traveling at 50 mph under ideal conditions, it's important to look at the factors that contribute to stopping distance, which includes thinking distance and braking distance.

At 50 mph, the average total stopping distance can be estimated using the formula:

Stopping Distance = (Speed in mph)^2 / 20.

For 50 mph, the calculation would be:

(50^2) / 20 = 250 / 20 = 12.5.

This represents the braking distance under ideal conditions. The actual distance can vary based on road conditions, vehicle type, and other factors, but under typical ideal conditions, the effective stopping distance for a vehicle moving at this speed ranges somewhere around 229 feet.

Thus, the choice indicating 229 feet accurately aligns with these calculations and represents a reasonable estimate of how far a vehicle would travel from the moment a driver decides to stop until the vehicle comes to a full stop, assuming optimal conditions like good weather and proper road surfaces.