1.13 Reaction Times

Question 1

Describe the steps to measure a person’s reaction time using the ruler drop test

Answer 1

Hold your arm in a steady position and have a ruler dropped into the gap between your thumb and forefinger. (without warning)

The number at which your thumb is at after catching the ruler can determine what your reaction time was.

Use:

v^2 - u^2 = 2 * a * x

v = velocity of the ruler
u = starting velocity = 0
a = gravity = 10
x = distance in m

Then use:

a = (v-u) / t

t = reaction time (s)

Question 2

Give a range of a typical reaction time

Answer 2

0.2 seconds - 0.9 seconds