Kinematics od deccelerating train

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving a train that decelerates at a constant rate after the brakes are applied. Participants are analyzing the implications of the given time interval and the relationship between velocity, acceleration, and displacement during this period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of kinematic equations and question the interpretation of displacement over the specified time interval. There is debate about whether the displacement becomes zero after 40 seconds and how to correctly apply the equations of motion.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants suggest that the 40-second time frame may be misleading, while others clarify that the train stops after 20 seconds, leading to confusion about the remaining time. There is no explicit consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of constant acceleration and the effect of the brakes on the train's motion. There are references to the initial conditions and the nature of deceleration, which may not be fully resolved within the discussion.

frozen7
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A train is traveling down a straight track at 20m/s when the engineer applies the brakes,resulting in an acceleration of -1.0m/s^2 as long as the train is in motion. How far does the train move during 40-s time interval starting at the instant the brakes are applied?

After 40s, displacement become zero,but the given answer is 200m. So, does it mean the 40s is just to confuse us? Does this question mean the train stop deceleration after it reach zero final velocity?

Thanks.
 
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no confusion going on...sorry

you used these formula's ?

v = 20 -t, velocity
x = x_o +20t - t²/2, position (the - just denotes the direction of the vectors at hand, it does not have an influence on the magnitude of the x here ; x_o is the initial position)

marlon
 
Last edited:
No. The displacement does not become zero after 40 sec. The final speed is zero after 40 seconds.

Might I recommend the equation for constant acceleration that looks like:

[tex]V^2 = {V_o}^2 + 2a(X - X_o)[/tex]

EDIT: Crud. I completely misread the question...again. I need glasses.
 
Last edited:
How about writing the kinematic equations?

acceleration, a is given by [itex]a = \frac{dv}{dt}[/itex]

and speed, v is given by [itex]v = \frac{dx}{dt}[/itex]

where x is the displacement or distance.

At what time does the train stop?
 
How if I use s = ut + 1/2 at^2 ? Isn`t the displacement = 0 by using this equation?
 
frozen7 said:
How if I use s = ut + 1/2 at^2 ? Isn`t the displacement = 0 by using this equation?

? If the displacement after 20 sec is non zero, then how it be after 40 sec ?

marlon
 
after 20s,the displacement = 200, and it is stop moving,v=0
For the last 20s, the train continue moving in different direction since the acceleration is negative sign.
Is it right?
 
frozen7 said:
after 20s,the displacement = 200, and it is stop moving,v=0
For the last 20s, the train continue moving in different direction since the acceleration is negative sign.
Is it right?

yes, so what is the displacement after 40 seconds

marlon
 
displacement = 0 after 40s
False? Why?
I found it by subtitute u=20, t=40, a=-1 to s=ut+1/2at^2
 
  • #10
frozen7 said:
displacement = 0 after 40s
False? Why?
I found it by subtitute u=20, t=40, a=-1 to s=ut+1/2at^2
err you are right, i think

i was under the impression that the car just moved backwards after the first 200. Because the v = 0 but the acceleration remains -1. But now i am readin that the acceleration = -1 is only to be incorporated when the breaks are applied.

I am confused now :wink:

marlon
 
  • #11
So...the time 40s is just to confuse us ,right?
 
  • #12
It is a bit of a trick. It got me at first (after I read the problem correctly). The train stops after only 20 seconds. I would say that, since the brakes being applied would not allow the train to go backwards, then the displacement after t=20 is zero. Therefore, 20 seconds is the only time you need to consider the train as moving.
 
  • #13
frozen7 said:
So...the time 40s is just to confuse us ,right?
yes, you have been correct all the way

marlon :blushing:
 
  • #14
Ya,the BRAKES is the most important part in this question I think. Brakes won't decelerate.
Thanks anyway.
 
  • #15
frozen7 said:
A train is traveling down a straight track at 20m/s when the engineer applies the brakes,resulting in an acceleration of -1.0m/s^2 as long as the train is in motion.
They key is the 'acceleration' as long as the train is in motion. Therefore, once the train stops, it is no longer accelerating.
 
  • #16
The "deceleration" pertains to the opposing frictional force, you should note the equations for frictional force.
 

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