Reaction Time Measurement
Measure your reaction time using the ruler drop method
Physics Explanation:
When the ruler is dropped, it accelerates downward due to gravity. The distance it falls before being caught depends on your reaction time.
The formula to calculate reaction time is:
\[ t_r = \sqrt{\frac{2d}{g}} \]
Where:
- \( t_r \) = reaction time (seconds)
- \( d \) = distance fallen (meters)
- \( g \) = acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)
In the textbook example with d = 21.0 cm, the reaction time was calculated to be 0.2 seconds.
