Name: Simran Pabla
Teacher: Mrs. Menon
Course Code: SPH3UP-1
Date of Conduction: 11/08/2023
Reaction Time - Free Fall
Lab Report
Introduction
Theory:
The term free-fall refers to objects that are merely moving due to gravity. The acceleration and
velocity of an object are unique and dependent on its mass. It will always have a constant
acceleration equal to gravity, which is a vector quantity.
Purpose:
To determine average reaction time using a free-falling ruler, calculated by specific acceleration
equations.
Hypothesis:
Reaction time is the amount of time taken to respond to a stimulus, often measured in smaller
units of measurement such as seconds or milliseconds. In this particular experiment, the
average reaction time found should be a small number (under a second in this case) due to the
lightweight equipment used and captured from a short distance. Each attempt may vary from
person to person.
Experiment
Equipment (per person):
Ruler (30cm in length)
Procedure:
This experiment was conducted by a group of three individuals. Each group member plays a
unique, distinct role to take part.
One person must vertically hold the 30cm ruler with their fingertips at 0cm, to a height above
the hands of the other person who is facing in that direction, creating a setup in order for the
other person to catch it.
The ruler is then released from the fingertips, and the person positioned to anticipate the
ruler's descent, intercepts it using their thumb and index finger.
The third person then records the number of centimeters that the ruler was caught at on a
sheet of paper. This is the distance the ruler traveled from an initial velocity of zero, before it
was stopped.
Each group member attempted this procedure five times and wrote down their measurements,
before averaging them out.
Results and Analysis:
After conducting the entire experiment (total 5 trials per person), the following table was
recorded with measurements. The average was then calculated by totalling all measurements
and dividing them by 5.
26cm + 19cm + 21cm + 18cm + 20cm = 104cm
104cm/5 = 20.8cm
Distance (cm)
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Trial 5 Average
30 - 4 = 30 - 11 = 30 - 9 = 30 - 12 = 30 - 10 = 20.8cm
26 cm 19 cm 21 cm 18 cm 20 cm
The reaction time is then calculated by doing the following:
Given:
a = 9.8m/s² = 980 cm/s²
Vi = 0m/s
△d = 20.8cm (experimental value) x 1000 = 20,800m
Required:
△t = ?
Equation: △t = √2△d/a
The formula must be rearranged to present the information acquired from the lab.
△d = V1 △t + ½ a (△t)²
20.8cm = (0) △t + ½ (9.8m/s²) (△t)²
△t = √2(20.8)(980cm/s²)
△t = √41.6cm/980 cm/s²
△t = √0.424s
△t = 0.65s
Statement:
∴ Reaction time is 0.65 seconds.
*Note that the value is approximate, not precise*
Experimental Uncertainties:
There were a few errors that occurred during this lab that have been listed below.
- The measurements of distance recorded during the five attempted “catches” may have
been misread by the person writing down the results, leading to inaccurate or
differentiating reaction time results.
- Lack of focus may have delayed reaction time results. Distractions such as other
classmates, noises, etc. could have caused loss of attention towards the experiment,
altering the time it would take to immediately react.
- Ineffective catching technique and hand grip on the ruler may affect how long it takes to
react.
Conclusion:
To sum up this experiment, the hypothesis was proved with the calculated results as the
approximate reaction time was 0.65 seconds, which is in fact under one second and
theoretically a small number. Each individual will react variously to the free-falling ruler, and
calculate a unique but tiny reaction time result. This lab was a good demonstration to better
understand how reaction time is calculated using kinematic equations.
