P8.1 Physics On The Move

Question 1

What is reaction time? How can we measure it?

Answer 1

Reaction time is the amount of time it takes for a signal produced by a receptor of a stimuli to travel to your brain and produce a response with an effector. One test is to catch a falling ruler

Question 2

What is thinking distance?

Answer 2

Thinking distance is the amount of distance travelled by a car during the time it takes for a driver’s foot to start to apply a force on the brake pedal

Question 3

What factors affect thinking distance?

Answer 3

Alcohol
Drugs
Tiredness
Age
Distractions

Question 4

What is braking distance?

Answer 4

Braking distance is the distance travelled by a car when a force is being applied to the brakes

Question 5

What is stopping distance?

Answer 5

Stopping distance is the total distance that a car travels from the moment the driver sees the problem till it becomes stationary.

Stopping Distance = Thinking distance + Braking distance

Question 6

Why are large negative accelerations dangerous?

Answer 6

Collisions with dashboard or seat
Compression injuries
Organ movements