Question 1: Define reaction time in the context of physics and everyday life.

Answer: Reaction time is the interval between recognising a stimulus and initiating a response, such as pressing a brake pedal when a car obstacle appears.

Question 2: Explain how reaction time affects the stopping distance of a vehicle.

Answer: Longer reaction times increase the distance a vehicle travels before braking begins, thus increasing the total stopping distance.

Question 1: A driver has a reaction time of 0.75 seconds. If the vehicle's initial speed is 20 m/s, calculate the distance travelled during reaction time. Use the formula: Distance = Speed × Time.

Answer: 15 meters

Question 2: If a vehicle is travelling at 25 m/s and the driver’s reaction time is 0.6 seconds, what is the reaction distance? Show your working.

Answer: Reaction distance = 25 m/s × 0.6 s = 15 meters

Question 1: Describe a simple method to measure your own reaction time using everyday objects.

Answer: One method is to hold a ruler vertically with the zero end between your thumb and forefinger, then drop it without warning. The point where you catch it indicates your reaction time based on the ruler's position.

Question 2: Identify at least two variables that could affect the accuracy of reaction time measurements in an experiment.

Answer: Variables include the person’s level of alertness and the precision of the timing method used.

Question 3: List safety precautions to consider when conducting reaction time experiments involving moving objects or stimuli.

Answer: Ensure the area is clear of obstacles, avoid sudden or unpredictable stimuli that could cause panic or injury, and supervise young participants.

Question 1: A group of students measured their reaction times by dropping a ruler and catching it. The recorded reaction times ranged from 0.2 seconds to 0.4 seconds. What factors could explain this variation?

Answer: Differences in alertness, age, fatigue, and measurement accuracy can cause variation in reaction times.

Question 2: In a scenario where a driver’s reaction time increases from 0.75 seconds to 1.2 seconds, what are the potential safety implications?

Answer: An increased reaction time significantly raises the reaction distance, which can lead to longer stopping distances. This elevates the risk of collisions, especially in sudden stop situations. Drivers must be aware of factors that affect reaction time, such as fatigue or alcohol consumption, to maintain safety.

Question 1: Explain why reaction time is a critical factor in industries such as automotive safety and sports.

Answer: Reaction time is crucial for timely responses to hazards, preventing accidents in automotive safety and enabling athletes to react quickly to opponents or changes in the game.

Question 2: Describe how technology, such as driver assistance systems, can compensate for human reaction time limitations.

Answer: Driver assistance systems use sensors and automated controls to detect hazards and initiate braking or steering faster than a human can, thereby reducing reaction distances and improving safety when human reaction times are delayed.