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Virtual Lab Expt - 7 - Reaction Time

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22 views3 pages

Virtual Lab Expt - 7 - Reaction Time

Uploaded by

taytaylornoble04
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Physical Science (PHSC 100): Lab Expt.

# 7 on Freefall and Reaction


Time

Name: ___________________ Section: 100. _____ Date: ________

Note on this virtual experiment procedure


Read the introductory principle, procedure and experimental materials
outlined below, and understand as to how this virtual experiment would be
conducted under real lab condition to generate the theoretical data supplied
in the Tables 1 below. After clearly understanding the procedure and the
formula for the calculations, complete the empty columns with calculated
data and write brief discussions as per the guideline, and Submit it back in
the Drop Box.

Introduction:
Reaction time is the time interval between receiving a signal and acting on it.
Reaction time often affects the making of measurements. Depending on how
quickly a person responds to a signal, there are differences in reaction time
among different persons.

Objective: to measure your reaction time

Required Equipment:
• • A meter sticks

Procedure
A group consisting 5 to 6 persons is formed and measurement on reaction
time is done for each person one at a time. One person holds a meter stick
vertically from the top while the other person positions his thumb and
index finger at the 50 cm mark, without touching. The person holding
the meter stick drops it (unannounced) and the other one catches it
with his thumb and finger. Accelerated by gravity (g), the stick falls a
distance (d) during the reaction time (t) of the person who tries to catch it.
Knowing distance (d) and gravitational acceleration (g), all needed to
calculate time (t) is a relationship between g, d, and t (equation below).

Three trials are done for each person and the distance of fall in cm is
registered on the space provided in the data Table 1 below. From the
theoretical fall distance data for 6 persons in three trials (replications) given
in the Data Table, calculate mean distance values and the reaction time
(t) for each person using the following relationship (equation).

The distance (d) in cm, the meter stick will fall, is found using the
relationship:
Where d is the mean distance in centimeters, t in seconds, and g = 980
cm/s2
(9.8 meters = 980 cm)

Simple rearrangement of the above equation gives the time (t) of fall in
seconds.

[Final formula to be used in the calculation of time


from the average distance (d)]

Table 1: Reaction Time theoretical data


Distance Calculat
of catch e
Persons (d) Reaction
in Time (t)
centimet in
er seconds
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Mean (d)
1 25 25 18 22.66 0.214
2 20 30 15 21.66 0.209
3 15 30 25 23.33 0.217
4 20 35 5 20.00 0.201
5 35 10 10 18.33 0.192
6 25 20 20 21.67 0.209

t = 0.045 √d

25+25+18/3=22.66
20+30+15/3-21.66
15+30+15/3=23.33
Discussion
1. 1. Is there a difference in reaction time of individuals in the group?
What is the range of reaction time in seconds?
__0.192________ to _____0.217______=0.025

1. 2. Suggest possible explanations for why reaction times are


different for different people.
____________The reaction times could be different because physical factors
such as age or fitness level can play apart into how fast your able to
react.__________________________________________________________________

1. 3. Give some examples in which reaction time is important.

______When your Driving a car a good reaction time is needed ignorer to


navigate the road well or when your gaming a good reaction Time help you
play
better._______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________

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