Physics Planning and Designing Lab. (Reaction Time),

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Reaction Time Lab Problem Statement: Student A and Student B had a race to see who the faster sprinter was. After being set off by Student C it was discovered that student A won by a small amount. Student B claims that he Student A had won due to having a faster reaction time. Plan and design a lab to certify the student’s claim Hypothesis: Since x=1/2 gt2 for object falling freely the value of t can be calculated using t2= √2x/g; where g is 10m/s-2 and is gravity. Aim: To determine the reaction time of a student. Variables: The distance the metre stick fell. Constants: The acceleration due to gravity. The time the metre stick took to fall. List of apparatus: one metre rule one stop watch Set up diagram: Method: 1. Student C will hold a meter stick vertically between the thumb and index finger of Student A’s open hand. The meter stick should be held so that the zero mark is level with the tops of the Student A’s fingers. The Catcher should not be touching the meters stick before it falls. 2. Without warning, the Student C should release the meter stick so that it falls between the Catcher’s thumb and finger. 3. Student A should catch the meter stick as quickly as possible. 4. The distance is recorded in centimetres.. 5. Repeat steps 1-4 until there is data for three trials. 6. Switch roles and record data for the reaction times of the Student B. Expected Results: Student A’s reaction time should be found to be faster than that of Student B. Treatments of Results: | Student A | Student B | Trails | Distance (cm) | Reaction Time (s) | Distance (cm) | Reaction Time (s) | 1 | 17.6 | 0.19 | 10.6 | 0.15 | 2 | 18.2 | 0.19 | 12.4 | 0.16 | 3 | 17.4 | 0.19 | 11.2 | 0.15 | Average | 17.73 | 0.19 | 11.4 | 0.153 | Possible sources of error: Student A or B should not be touching the meters stick before it falls. The

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