Reaction Time Experiment: How Fast Can You React?

How do I determine the reaction time of the student?

Considering the data provided, how can we calculate the reaction time of the student in this experiment?

Calculating the Reaction Time

Given that a meter stick dropped from rest falls 0.20 meters before the student catches it, we can use the formula h = ½gt² to determine the reaction time of the student.

Height (h) = 0.20 meter

Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s²

Reaction time (t) = ?

Using the formula:

h = ½gt²

0.20 = ½ × 9.8 × t²

0.20 = 4.9 × t²

Dividing both sides by 4.9:

t² = 0.20 / 4.9

Take the square root of both sides:

t = √(0.20 / 4.9)

t = 0.2 s

Therefore, the reaction time of the student in this experiment is approximately 0.2 seconds.