How Do You Calculate Acceleration and Retardation for a Train's Movement?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating acceleration and retardation for a train's movement, specifically a train that accelerates from rest to 54 km/h in 200 seconds, maintains that speed for 300 seconds, and then decelerates to rest in 150 seconds. The acceleration is calculated using the formula a = (v - u) / t, resulting in an acceleration of 972 km/h². The second phase of the train's movement involves constant speed, indicating zero acceleration, while the deceleration phase mirrors the acceleration calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically s = ut, v = u + at, and s = ut + 0.5at².
  • Basic knowledge of uniform acceleration and deceleration concepts.
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, particularly between km/h and m/s.
  • Ability to perform calculations involving time, speed, and distance.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about kinematic equations in-depth, focusing on their applications in real-world scenarios.
  • Study the principles of uniform acceleration and deceleration in physics.
  • Explore unit conversion techniques, particularly converting speeds from km/h to m/s.
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple phases of motion, including acceleration, constant speed, and deceleration.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators looking for examples of motion calculations in real-world contexts.

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Homework Statement


A train accelirates uniformly from rest to reach a speed of 54km/hr in 200 seconds after which the speed remains constant for 300 seconds, At the end of this time the train decelerates to rest in 150 seconds.

Calculate the acceleration and retardation.

Homework Equations


s= ut
v= u+at
s=ut + 0.5*at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



a = (v-u)/t = 54/(200/60*60)=972km/h^2

is the first part correct? I'm not really sure what to do next.
 
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First part is correct; in second part speed is constant, hence no acceleration and third part is similar to first part.
 

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