Time needed for superman to stop the train

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SUMMARY

To determine the minimum time Superman requires to stop a train weighing 18,079 kg traveling at 75.0 km/hr, one must apply Newton's second law, F=ma. Given that the average horizontal force experienced by passengers is 0.420 times their weight, this force can be used to calculate the deceleration of the train. By calculating the necessary deceleration and using kinematic equations, the time required for Superman to stop the train can be derived definitively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F=ma)
  • Basic knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Concept of force relative to mass and acceleration
  • Ability to convert units (e.g., km/hr to m/s)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the deceleration of the train using the force experienced by passengers.
  • Convert the train's speed from km/hr to m/s for accurate calculations.
  • Apply kinematic equations to find the time required to stop the train.
  • Explore the implications of varying the force experienced by passengers on stopping time.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in applying mechanics to real-world scenarios involving forces and motion.

zhenyazh
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hi,
can some one give me an outline of how to solve the following question?

thanks

Superman (mass=84.0 kg) must fly into a train (mass = 18079 kg) traveling at 75.0 km/hr to stop it.
Calculate the minimum time Superman must take to stop the train, if the passengers experience an average horizontal force of 0.420 their own weight.
 
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If the train is stopped, the passengers have also stopped.
Use F=ma on a passenger
 

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