Solve Final Velocity & Time for Train Traveling 200m

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a train traveling a distance of 200 meters with an initial speed of 35.0 km/h and a uniform acceleration of 1.50 m/s². The questions focus on determining the final velocity of the train and the time taken to cover the distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to convert the initial speed from km/h to m/s but expresses uncertainty about the appropriate formulas to use for the calculations. Some participants provide formulas related to motion with uniform acceleration and suggest using them to find the final velocity and time.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different approaches to solve the problem, with some providing guidance on the relevant equations. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the conversion of units and the application of formulas, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a potential misunderstanding in the conversion of speed from km/h to m/s, indicating that the original poster may have made an error in their calculation. Additionally, there is a repeated concern about time constraints affecting the ability to solve the problem.

tcharger130
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Homework Statement


A train on a straight, level track has an initial speed of 35.0 km/h. A uniform acceleration of 1.50 m/s sq is applied while the train travels 200 m. (a) What is the speed of the train at the end of the distance? (b) How long did it take for the train to travel the 200m?


Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution


I dropped into this physics class late and I don't know how to properly derive the formula I think I need. I converted 35km/h to 14m/s but I don't know a formula to use now.

Thanks
 
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The two formulas for a motion with uniform acceleration (a = constant) are
\Delta v = a \Delta t
and
\Delta s = \tfrac12 a (\Delta t)^2

where \Delta v and \Delta s are the change in velocity and covered distance, respectively, during a time \Delta t.
 
but i don't have time?
 
your start is good, you decided to convert the speed from km/h to m/s,im not sure how you did it but it was not correct, to convert from km/h to m/s just multiply that number with (1000/3600) to get it in m/s..

For first part :

It is asking for final velocity and you are given the initial velocity , the acceleration and the distance , you can use this equation:
Vf^2 = Vo^2 + 2ax


Then when you get Vf you can easily get the time using this equation:

Vf = Vo + at
 
tcharger130 said:
but i don't have time?

No, but you can calculate it.
Look what you've got, you are given \Delta s and a. That allows you to use the second formula to find \Delta t. Then you can use that result in the first formula to calculate the increase in velocity.

Of course, you can also directly use the formulas given by bigstar, which are derived from the two I gave. Personally I prefer doing it my way, because I need to remember less equations :)[edit]
Actually the second formula should be
\Delta s = \frac12 a (\Delta t)^2 + v_0 \Delta t
where v0 is the initial velocity. The one I gave earlier applies for v0 = 0, i.e. when you accelerate from rest (which is not the case here).
 

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