Physics A-Level
Reaction time
What Reaction time means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Reaction time
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Reaction time in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The time before the brakes are applied, during which the thinking distance is travelled; thinking distance divided by speed gives it.
Topics that use Reaction time
- Linear motion (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Acceleration due to gravity
- Braking distance
- Conservation of momentum
- Constant acceleration equations
- Free fall in a uniform gravitational field
- Sign conventions and units
- Stopping distance
- Thinking distance
Using Reaction time in the exam
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