A loaded freight train of 100 cars typically requires how much distance to stop?

A loaded freight train of 100 cars indeed requires a stopping distance of a mile or more. This is due to several factors including the massive weight of the train, which can exceed several thousand tons, along with the physics of motion and the limitations of braking systems. When a freight train is in motion, the inertia caused by its weight means it takes a significant amount of time and distance to come to a complete stop when the brakes are applied.

The process of stopping involves not just the distance covered while brakes are engaged, but also the time it takes for the mechanical systems of the train to react, which adds to the overall stopping distance. The required space can vary based on train speed, weight, terrain, and weather conditions, but the standard expectation is that a loaded freight train would typically need a full mile or more, particularly if traveling at higher speeds.

Understanding this stopping distance is crucial for anyone driving near train tracks, as it emphasizes the importance of waiting for trains to pass and not attempting to cross the tracks when a train is approaching. The other options, while they might present interesting comparisons, do not accurately capture the extensive distance necessary for the train to stop safely.