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Question

A 225 m long train is running at a speed of 30 km/hr. How much time does it take to cross a man running at 3 km/hr in the same direction?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

30 seconds

Understanding Train Crossing Problems

This question asks for the time it takes for a train to completely cross a man running in the same direction. When a train crosses a point or a man (considered a point object), the distance covered by the train is equal to its own length.

However, since the man is also moving in the same direction as the train, we need to consider their relative speed. The relative speed is the difference between the speeds of the train and the man because they are moving in the same direction.

Given Information for the Train Crossing Problem

Let's list the details provided in the question:

  • Length of the train = 225 meters (m)
  • Speed of the train = 30 km/hr
  • Speed of the man = 3 km/hr

Calculating Relative Speed in the Same Direction

When two objects move in the same direction, their relative speed is the difference between their individual speeds. This relative speed determines how quickly the distance between them changes.

Relative Speed = Speed of Train - Speed of Man

Relative Speed = \(30 \text{ km/hr} - 3 \text{ km/hr} = 27 \text{ km/hr}\)

Converting Speed to Consistent Units

The train length is given in meters (m), so it's best to convert the speed from kilometers per hour (km/hr) to meters per second (m/s) to ensure consistent units for calculation. The conversion factor is \(\frac{5}{18}\).

Relative Speed in m/s = Relative Speed in km/hr \(\times \frac{5}{18}\)

Relative Speed = \(27 \times \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s}\)

Relative Speed = \(\frac{3 \times 9 \times 5}{2 \times 9} \text{ m/s}\)

Relative Speed = \(\frac{3 \times 5}{2} \text{ m/s}\)

Relative Speed = \(\frac{15}{2} \text{ m/s} = 7.5 \text{ m/s}\)

Distance and Time Calculation for Crossing

To completely cross the man, the train needs to cover a distance equal to its own length relative to the man.

Distance to be covered = Length of the train = 225 m

Now we can use the standard formula relating distance, speed, and time:

Time = \(\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Speed}}\)

Here, the speed is the relative speed calculated above.

Time = \(\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Relative Speed}}\)

Time = \(\frac{225 \text{ m}}{7.5 \text{ m/s}}\)

To make the division easier, we can remove the decimal by multiplying both numerator and denominator by 10:

Time = \(\frac{2250}{75} \text{ seconds}\)

Now, perform the division:

\(\frac{2250}{75} = \frac{30 \times 75}{75} = 30\) seconds

So, it takes 30 seconds for the train to cross the man running in the same direction.

Quantity Value Units
Train Length (Distance) 225 m
Train Speed 30 km/hr
Man Speed 3 km/hr
Relative Speed (km/hr) 27 km/hr
Relative Speed (m/s) 7.5 m/s
Time Taken 30 seconds

Revision Table: Train Crossing Concepts

Scenario Distance Covered Speed Used
Train crossing a point object (pole, man standing still) Length of the train Speed of the train
Train crossing a man running in the same direction Length of the train Relative speed (Train Speed - Man Speed)
Train crossing a man running in the opposite direction Length of the train Relative speed (Train Speed + Man Speed)
Train crossing another train (same direction) Sum of lengths of both trains Relative speed (Speed of faster train - Speed of slower train)
Train crossing another train (opposite direction) Sum of lengths of both trains Relative speed (Speed of Train 1 + Speed of Train 2)

Additional Information: Speed, Distance, and Time

The relationship between speed, distance, and time is fundamental in solving these types of problems. The core formula is:

Speed = \(\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}\)

From this, we can derive:

  • Distance = Speed \(\times\) Time
  • Time = \(\frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Speed}}\)

It is crucial to ensure that the units for distance and speed are consistent when performing calculations. If distance is in meters, speed should ideally be in meters per second. If distance is in kilometers, speed should ideally be in kilometers per hour. If not, one of the values must be converted.

A common conversion is from km/hr to m/s, which uses the factor \(\frac{5}{18}\) because:

\(1 \text{ km/hr} = \frac{1000 \text{ meters}}{3600 \text{ seconds}} = \frac{10}{36} \text{ m/s} = \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s}\)

Conversely, to convert from m/s to km/hr, you multiply by \(\frac{18}{5}\).

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Important Questions from Problem on Trains

  1. Eight railway stations A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H are connected either by two-way passages or one-way passages. One-way passages are from C to A, E to G, B to F, D to H, G to C, E to C and H to G. Two-way passages are between A and E, G and B, F and D, and E and D.

    If the route between G and C is closed, which one of the following stations need not be passed through while travelling from H to C?

  2. A daily train is to be introduced between station A and station B starting from each end at 6 AM and the journey is to be completed in 42 hours. What is the number of trains needed in order to maintain the Shuttle Service?

  3. A train with a uniform speed passes a 122 meters long platform in 17 seconds and a 210 meters long bridge in 25 seconds. The speed of the train is:

  4. How long does a train 153 meters long running at the rate of 90 kmph take to cross a bridge 622 meters in length?

  5. A train passes a 360 metre long platform in 40 seconds and a man standing on the platform in 16 seconds. The speed of the train is:

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