Question 1: Define reaction time and explain why it is important in the context of vehicle braking.

Answer: Reaction time is the interval between perceiving a stimulus and responding to it. It is crucial in vehicle braking because it affects the distance a vehicle travels before the driver applies the brakes, impacting safety.

Question 2: List three factors that can affect a person's reaction time.

Answer: Factors include fatigue, alcohol consumption, age, distractions, and alertness.

Question 1: A driver notices a hazard 50 metres ahead while travelling at 25 m/s. The thinking distance is 15 metres. Calculate the reaction time of the driver.

Answer: Reaction Time = (Stopping Distance - Thinking Distance) / Speed = (50 m - 15 m) / 25 m/s = 35 m / 25 m/s = 1.4 seconds.

Question 2: If the reaction time increases to 2 seconds while travelling at 20 m/s, what is the new stopping distance assuming the thinking distance remains 10 metres?

Answer: Stopping Distance = (Reaction Time × Speed) + Thinking Distance = (2 s × 20 m/s) + 10 m = 40 m + 10 m = 50 metres.

Question 1: Describe a simple method to measure a person's reaction time in a classroom setting. Include variables that should be controlled.

Answer: One method involves using a ruler or a reaction timer. The person sits with their hand ready, and an assistant drops the ruler without warning. The student catches it as quickly as possible. The distance the ruler falls is recorded, and reaction time is calculated using the formula: Reaction Time = √(2 × Distance / Acceleration due to gravity). Variables to control include the student's position, the time of day, and ensuring the person is alert and rested.

Question 2: Identify three safety precautions that should be considered when designing an experiment to measure reaction time.

Answer: Ensure the environment is free from distractions, use non-slip surfaces, and advise participants to be well-rested and alert.

Question 1: A study records the reaction times of 10 drivers, with an average of 1.2 seconds and a standard deviation of 0.3 seconds. What can be inferred about the variability of reaction times in this group?

Answer: The reaction times vary within a range, with most drivers likely having reaction times between approximately 0.9 and 1.5 seconds, indicating moderate variability.

Question 2: If a driver has a reaction time significantly above the average, what might this indicate about their driving ability or state?

Answer: It may indicate reduced alertness, fatigue, impairment, or slower processing speed, which could compromise driving safety.

Question 1: Explain how reaction time is a critical factor in the design of autonomous vehicle braking systems.

Answer: Autonomous vehicle systems rely on sensors and algorithms to detect hazards and respond faster than human drivers. Reaction time influences how quickly the system can process data and initiate braking, improving safety and reducing accidents caused by human delays.

Question 2: Discuss how understanding reaction times can help improve safety standards in industries such as aviation or manufacturing.

Answer: Understanding reaction times allows industries to set appropriate safety margins, design alert systems, and implement training to minimise delays in human response. In aviation, this could mean better pilot training for emergency situations, while in manufacturing, it could involve designing machinery that accounts for human response delays to prevent accidents.