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Reflexes and Reaction Rates Lab
Reflexes and Reaction Rates Lab
Mr. Galego
Name: __________________________________________________
Procedure:
Patellar or Knee Jerk Reflex
1. The subject is to sit on the edge of the lab table with the legs able to swing freely. (One partner will be the subject
first and the other partner the tester, then youll switch.)
2. Once the legs are relaxed and swing freely, the tester should use the hammer to tap the subject just below the
kneecap. What happened? Record your results in the data table.
3. Repeat steps 1 to 3. This time, try to stop your knee from jerking. Record your results in the data table.
4. Switch places with your partner and repeat steps 1-3. Record the data for both partners in your data table.
Pupillary Reflex
5. Have the subject cup their hand over their eye for one minute (try to keep as much light out as possible). Keep
the other eye open.
6. Have a group member shine the pen light close to the open eye for about 10 seconds. CAUTION: Do not shine
light directly into the eye.
7. Quickly remove your hand from the other eye.
8. Have a group member observe what happens to the pupils of both the eye exposed to light and the eye that
remained in darkness. Record the observations in the data table.
Data for Reflex Testing:
Stimulus
Knee Tap (relaxed)
Knee Tap (trying to stop it)
My Response
Partners Response
t=(2d/a)
1
2
3
Where
t = reaction time
d = average distance of fall (cm)
a = acceleration due to gravity = 980 cm/s2
Average
5. In the space below calculate your reaction time and your partners reaction time. Show your work.
Mine:
Partners:
Analysis
1. Could you prevent the knee jerk or pupil contraction? Explain your answer.
2. Freddy touches a hot stove, withdraws his hand, and then yells. Why does the yelling always occur after the hand is
withdrawn?