Reaction Time - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

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Reaction time is the amount of time it takes for someone to respond to a stimulus, like a sound or sight. It's important because it affects how quickly you can react to things happening around you, such as braking when you see a red light while driving. A shorter reaction time means you can respond faster. Factors like age, concentration, and whether you're tired can affect your reaction time. Understanding reaction time helps us learn about how humans interact with their environment and is important in activities ranging from sports to everyday tasks.

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Caroline Carroll

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics & Chemistry Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.

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