PHY 1405 – Conceptual Physics I

Free Fall Activity

Leader: _________________________ Recorder: __________________________

Skeptic: _________________________ Encourager: ________________________

Introduction

In this activity, we will apply the ideas of free fall to make a simple measurement of each student's reaction time. The idea is that one person drops a meter stick and another catches it. From the distance the meter stick fell, the reaction time can be estimated.

Procedure: In the space below, in a few sentences describe a procedure for measuring the reaction time. Be detailed about how you will conduct your procedure and what exactly you will measure.

Data

Make a data table listing the person’s name and the distance the meter stick fell. Leave a third blank column for the reaction time.

Data Analysis: The only measurement you will make is the distance the stick fell. Write down the appropriate equation from ch. 3 which will allow you to determine the reaction time from the measured distance. In what units should the distance be measured?

Procedure: In the space below, describe a procedure to test if each student has the same reaction time if they see the stick drop versus if they only hear that the stick has dropped.

Data Analysis: Carry out the procedure you have just described and put your results into a data table below.

Questions

Q1) Would you say that the members of your group typically had a faster reaction time to an aural stimulus (hearing) or a visual one? Explain based on your results.

Q2) How might you improve your procedure to get a more accurate result for the reaction time?