Acceleration of a train
The train passes 700 m, braking with an acceleration of -0.15 m/s2. How long does it break, and what is the final speed of the train if the initial was 55 km/h?
Correct answer:
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Dr. Math
To solve this problem, we will use the kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion. The train is braking, so the acceleration is negative ( a = -0.15 m/s2 ). We are tasked with finding:
1. The time it takes for the train to brake ( t ).
2. The final speed of the train ( v ).
Given Data:
1. Initial speed of the train, u = 55 km/h .
2. Braking acceleration, a = -0.15 m/s2 .
3. Distance traveled while braking, s = 700 m .
Step 1: Convert Initial Speed to m/s
The initial speed is given in km/h, but we need it in m/s for consistency with the acceleration units. Convert 55 km/h to m/s:
Step 2: Use the Kinematic Equation to Find Final Speed
The kinematic equation that relates initial velocity ( u ), final velocity ( v ), acceleration ( a ), and distance ( s ) is:
Substitute the known values ( u = 15.28 m/s , a = -0.15 m/s2 , s = 700 m ):
Calculate u2 :
Calculate 2as :
Now, substitute these values into the equation:
Take the square root to find v :
Step 3: Convert Final Speed to km/h
The final speed is in m/s, but it is often more intuitive to express it in km/h. Convert 4.85 m/s to km/h:
Step 4: Use the Kinematic Equation to Find Time
The kinematic equation that relates initial velocity ( u ), final velocity ( v ), acceleration ( a ), and time ( t ) is:
Solve for t :
Substitute the known values ( v = 4.85 m/s , u = 15.28 m/s , a = -0.15 m/s2 ):
Calculate the numerator:
Now, divide by a :
Final Answers:
1. The train brakes for:
2. The final speed of the train is:
1. The time it takes for the train to brake ( t ).
2. The final speed of the train ( v ).
Given Data:
1. Initial speed of the train, u = 55 km/h .
2. Braking acceleration, a = -0.15 m/s2 .
3. Distance traveled while braking, s = 700 m .
Step 1: Convert Initial Speed to m/s
The initial speed is given in km/h, but we need it in m/s for consistency with the acceleration units. Convert 55 km/h to m/s:
u = 55 × 1000/3600 = 15.28 m/s.
Step 2: Use the Kinematic Equation to Find Final Speed
The kinematic equation that relates initial velocity ( u ), final velocity ( v ), acceleration ( a ), and distance ( s ) is:
v2 = u2 + 2as.
Substitute the known values ( u = 15.28 m/s , a = -0.15 m/s2 , s = 700 m ):
v2 = (15.28)2 + 2(-0.15)(700).
Calculate u2 :
(15.28)2 = 233.48.
Calculate 2as :
2(-0.15)(700) = -210.
Now, substitute these values into the equation:
v2 = 233.48 - 210 = 23.48.
Take the square root to find v :
v = √23.48 = 4.85 m/s.
Step 3: Convert Final Speed to km/h
The final speed is in m/s, but it is often more intuitive to express it in km/h. Convert 4.85 m/s to km/h:
v = 4.85 × 3600/1000 = 17.46 km/h.
Step 4: Use the Kinematic Equation to Find Time
The kinematic equation that relates initial velocity ( u ), final velocity ( v ), acceleration ( a ), and time ( t ) is:
v = u + at.
Solve for t :
t = v - u/a.
Substitute the known values ( v = 4.85 m/s , u = 15.28 m/s , a = -0.15 m/s2 ):
t = 4.85 - 15.28/-0.15.
Calculate the numerator:
4.85 - 15.28 = -10.43.
Now, divide by a :
t = -10.43/-0.15 = 69.53 seconds.
Final Answers:
1. The train brakes for:
69.53 seconds
2. The final speed of the train is:
17.46 km/h
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