Answer:
4.3 m/s
Explanation:
a = rate at which the automobile loses speed = - 7.2 m/s²
vâ‚€ = initial maximum speed of automobile
t' = reaction time for applying the brakes = 0.55 s
d = distance available for stopping the vehicle = 3.6 m
d' = distance traveled while applying the brakes = vâ‚€ t' = (0.55) vâ‚€
v = final speed after the vehicle comes to stop = 0 m/s
Using the equation
v² = v₀² + 2 a (d - d' )
0² =  v₀² + 2 (- 7.2) (3.6 -  (0.55) v₀)
vâ‚€ = 4.3 m/s