Final answer:
In this experiment, the student measures their reaction time by catching a falling ruler. They can calculate their reaction time using the ruler's distance of fall and the acceleration due to gravity. The question also relates reaction time to the distance traveled in a car when moving from the gas pedal to the brake.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this experiment, the student is measuring their reaction time. The experiment involves having a friend drop a ruler unexpectedly and the student trying to catch it between their fingers. By measuring the distance the ruler falls, the student can calculate their reaction time assuming the acceleration due to gravity.
To further understand the concept, the question asks how far a person would travel in a car moving at 30 m/s if the time it took for their foot to go from the gas pedal to the brake was twice their reaction time. This question explores the relationship between reaction time and distance traveled in two different contexts.