AP Physics 1 kinematics problem

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The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving a passenger train and a freight train on the same track. The passenger train, traveling at 30 m/s, decelerates at 1 m/s² after spotting the freight train, which is moving at a constant speed of 10 m/s and is 200 m ahead. The key question is determining the distance the passenger train travels before a collision occurs. There is confusion regarding the use of the kinematic equation, particularly the relevance of the final velocity of the freight train, which remains constant at 10 m/s, leading to a misunderstanding in the calculations. The problem highlights the importance of correctly applying kinematic equations based on the conditions of each train's motion.
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Homework Statement


The engineer of a passenger train rounding a curve at 30m/s sights a slow-moving freight train 200m ahead on the same track traveling in the same direction with a constant velocity of 10m/s. The engineer of the passenger train immediately applies the brakes, causing a constant deceleration of 1m/s2, while the freight train continues on with a constant speed.

What distance will the passenger train travel before the collision takes place?
Passenger train
Do= 0m
D= ?
Vo= 30 m/s
V = 0
a = -1m/s^2

Freight train
Do= 200m
D= ?
Vo= 10 m/s
V = 0
a = 0m/s^2

Homework Equations


v2= 2(a)(d-do )+ vo2

3. The Attempt at a Solution

setting the equation equal to each other.
2(-1)(d-0)+302-0= 2(0)(d-200)+100-0
-2d+900=100
-2d=-800
d=400[/B]
 
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it says in the problem statement that the freight train moves at a constant speed. So how is it possible that the freight train ends up with a speed ##v = 0##?
if the train moves at constant speed, is ##v^2 = a(d - d_0) + v_0^2## really a relevant equation?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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