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A train accelerates uniformly for 30 seconds over a distance of 225 meters before traveling at a constant speed for 135 seconds. The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration using the equation s = ut + 1/2at^2, where the initial velocity (u) is zero since the train starts from rest. After determining the acceleration, the next step involves calculating the distance covered during the constant speed phase. The final part of the journey involves applying brakes to bring the train to rest over 10 seconds, which also needs to be factored into the total distance between the two stations. Understanding these calculations is essential for solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement


A train moves off from a station and accelerates uniformly for 30.0 s over a distance of 225 m. It continues with the speed acquired for another 135 s, then the driver applies the brakes and the train comes to rest with uniform retardation at the next station in a further 10.0 s. Calculate the distance between the two stations


Homework Equations



s= ut + 1/2at^2


The Attempt at a Solution


i am still stuck please someone help me go through the steps
 
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Can you find the acceleration over the 225m distance given you have time?
 
Last edited:
No I don't understand which time to use
 
well the question states that the train travels 225m in 30s - try using these.
 
So I divide those 2 then times it by 135 to get the acceleration?
 
use the equation you stated, s= ut + 1/2at^2
 
But I don't know how to get acceleration would u be 0 because it started from rest and is the time 30 if I put in equation?
 
that is correct.
 
Yes but how do you get acceleration?
 
  • #10
as i said before use this equation... s= ut + 1/2at^2
you know what s, u, and t are can you not solve the equation for a?
 
  • #11
a = 2(s - ut)/t^2 would I rearrange to this??
 
  • #12
Yes that is correct however you know that u=0 right? because as you said earlier the train starts from rest, and u represents the initial velocity of the train.
 
  • #13
Yes I know that so after I've calculated the acceleration what do I do next?
 
  • #14
Well what you're trying to do is find the total distance to the second train station... so you're told the train travels at this acceleration you've found for another 135s, you need to find the change in distance with this acceleration.
 

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