Question

What is the effect of doubling the reaction time on the reaction distance?

A) The reaction distance is doubled.
B) The reaction distance is four times larger.
C) The reaction distance increases but doesn’t come close to doubling.
D) The reaction distance is not affected by a doubling of reaction time.

Answer 1

Doubling the reaction time leads to a doubling of the reaction distance, provided the speed remains constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering reaction distance in the context of reaction time, it is important to understand that reaction distance is directly proportional to reaction time under constant speed. This means that if a driver doubles their reaction time, perhaps due to being distracted, the distance it takes for them to begin applying the brakes after perceiving a hazard will also double. Therefore, the correct answer to the effect of doubling the reaction time on the reaction distance is A) The reaction distance is doubled.