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Two trains 135┬аm and 155┬аm in length, respectively, are running in opposite directions, one at the rate of 80┬аkm/h and the other at the rate of 65┬аkm/h. In how much time will they be completely clear of each other from the moment they meet?
7.5 sec
6.8 sec
6.5 sec
7.2 sec
7.2 sec
Sum the lengths (290 m), sum the relative speeds (145 km/h), convert relative speed to m/s by multiplying 145 by 5/18 (~40.27 m/s), then divide 290 by the result.
Length of train 1 = 135 m, Length of train 2 = 155 m, Speed of train 1 = 80 km/h, Speed of train 2 = 65 km/h, Trains running in opposite directions.
t=(S1тАЛ+S2тАЛ)├Ч185тАЛL1тАЛ+L2тАЛтАЛ
Sum the lengths (290 m), sum the relative speeds (145 km/h), convert relative speed to m/s by multiplying 145 by 5/18 (~40.27 m/s), then divide 290 by the result.
Failing to convert relative speed from km/h to m/s by multiplying by 5/18, or failing to add the lengths of both trains.
Calculate Total Distance and Relative Speed
Total distance covered is the sum of both train lengths: 135+155=290┬аm. Since the trains are moving in opposite directions, relative speed is the sum of individual speeds: 80+65=145┬аkm/h.
DtotalтАЛ=135+155=290┬аm,SrelтАЛ=80+65=145┬аkm/h
Convert Relative Speed to m/s
To convert the relative speed from km/h to m/s, multiply by 5/18: 145├Ч185тАЛ=18725тАЛ┬аm/s.
SrelтАЛ=145├Ч185тАЛ=18725тАЛ┬аm/s
Calculate Time
Time taken is distance divided by speed: t=290/(725/18)=290├Ч(18/725). Simplifying, 290├Ч18=5220; 5220/725=7.2┬аseconds.
t=725290├Ч18тАЛ=7.2┬аsec
D is correct because the relative speed of 145┬аkm/h converts to тЙИ40.27┬аm/s, and dividing the total length of 290┬аm by this speed yields exactly 7.2┬аseconds.
This concept of relative speed is fundamental in kinematics; remember that opposite directions imply summation of speeds (v1тАЛ+v2тАЛ) while same-direction motion implies subtraction (v1тАЛтИТv2тАЛ).