Kinematics A car moving at 60km/h meets a train of length 1km

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance a car travels while passing a train under two scenarios: moving in the same direction and moving in opposite directions. The car travels at 60 km/h, while the train moves at 40 km/h. When moving in the same direction, the car takes 180 seconds to pass the 1 km train, covering a distance of 3 km. In contrast, when moving in opposite directions, the car takes 36 seconds to pass the train, covering a distance of 600 meters. The calculations utilize the equation S = ut + 1/2at², confirming the accuracy of the results based on relative speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relative speed concepts
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically S = ut + 1/2at²
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversions (km/h to m/s)
  • Ability to perform time-distance-speed calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study relative speed calculations in kinematics
  • Practice problems involving kinematic equations
  • Learn about unit conversions between kilometers and meters
  • Explore real-world applications of kinematics in transportation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators seeking to reinforce concepts of relative motion and speed calculations.

monkfishkev
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A car moving at 60km/h meets a train of length 1km moving at 40km/h along a track parallel to the road. What distance does the car travel in passing the length of the train given that they travel a) in the same direction, or b) in opposite directions?

Homework Equations


So I converted everything into metres and used
S = ut + 1/2at^2

The Attempt at a Solution


By adding 1000m to s(displacement) of the car, managed to get 180seconds which gave 3km
In the opposite direction I got 36 seconds which gave 600m.

There was no answers given to the question set and really need a second opinion to these answers. They seem to make sense but I am still unsure.

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Looks good to me.
 


The answers look right. I used the relative speed between car and train to calculate the time taken to pass the 1km long train, then worked out how far the car would travel along the ground in that time.
 

Similar threads

Calculating Relative Velocity: Train vs. Car Collision
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Acceleration and velocity: Car and train problem
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Kinematics Problem: Train braking and blocking an intersection
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Late Did the Man Arrive to Catch the Train?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
4K
Two cars moving towards each other - bullets fired
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Reaction time while stopping a car
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
Setting two expressions equal to each other
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Calculating the Time for a Car Chase: Kinematics Question
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Two cars driving toward each other (non-uniform speed)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
8K
When 2 Cars With Differing Velocities Will Meet
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K