Solving Distance of Train from Start to Stoppage

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a train traveling at a speed of 280 km/h that begins to decelerate with a constant acceleration of -2 m/s². The original poster seeks to determine the distance the train travels before coming to a complete stop.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of speed from km/h to m/s and the application of kinematic equations. There are questions about how to utilize the equations without a reference to time and the meaning of variables in the equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested using kinematic equations to approach the problem, while others express uncertainty about how to proceed without knowing the time. There is a recognition of the need to identify known values and clarify the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of explicit information regarding time and express confusion about certain variables in the equations. The original poster's repeated requests for clarification indicate a struggle with the foundational concepts of kinematics.

Canha
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Homework Statement



Train goes at 280km/h. Starts breaking with a constant acceleration of -2m/s-2. How many meters does it perform until it stops completely? Sorry if the English is poor.

Homework Equations



If I had them I probably wouldn't be asking.

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, 280km/h equals to about 77.78 m/s. Great, what now?:confused:
 
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If you are going to do kinematic exercises you should know the basic equations.

[tex]v=v_{0}+at[/tex]
[tex]v^{2}=v^{2}_{0}+2ae[/tex]
[tex]x=x_{0}+v_{0}t+\frac{1}{2}at^{2}[/tex]

Try with those, one should work, and write them down for the next problems.
 
Canha said:

Homework Statement



Train goes at 280km/h. Starts breaking with a constant acceleration of -2m/s-2. How many meters does it perform until it stops completely? Sorry if the English is poor.

Homework Equations



If I had them I probably wouldn't be asking.

Constant acceleration is the hint. There are kinematic equations that should be used to answer this question.

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, 280km/h equals to about 77.78 m/s. Great, what now?:confused:

ok. that's a start. =) write down your knowns: v initial, v final, a. Your unknown is distance.
 
I do know the first and third, but those don't seem to help do they? What do I do with the time in there? I don't have any reference to the time. What's the 'e' in the second one?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Oh, should I discover the time at which the final v is at 0 and then substitute in the motion equation to find out the position?
 
Last edited:
look at your knowns and look at the equations.

e is distance
 
Canha said:
I do know the first and third, but those don't seem to help do they? What do I do with the time in there? I don't have any reference to the time. What's the 'e' in the second one?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Oh, should I discover the time at which the final v is at 0 and then substitute in the motion equation to find out the position?
Don't need to find time!
 
mizzy said:
Don't need to find time!

But would it work?
Anyway I never heard about the second equation but it did work! I don't understand but it did lol.
 
those are the 3 main equations to know for constant acceleration
 
mizzy said:
those are the 3 main equations to know for constant acceleration

I don't think I would pull this off in an exam (now I would).

Thank you both!
 
  • #10
you're welcome =)
 

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