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Question

A man walking at 5 km/hr noticed that a 225 m long train coming in the opposite direction crossed him in 9 seconds. The speed of the train is

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2016 English Previous Year Paper (14-Feb-2016)
The correct answer is

85 km/hour

Understanding Relative Speed in Opposite Direction

This problem involves calculating the speed of a train when it crosses a moving man. Since the train and the man are moving in opposite directions, we need to use the concept of relative speed.

When two objects move towards each other (or in opposite directions), their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds. The distance covered by the train in crossing the man is equal to the length of the train.

Given Information

  • Speed of the man (\(V_M\)): 5 km/hr
  • Length of the train (\(L_T\)): 225 m
  • Time taken to cross the man (\(t\)): 9 seconds
  • Direction of motion: Opposite to each other

Unit Conversion

The given speeds are in km/hr, the length is in meters, and time is in seconds. To perform calculations, we need to convert all quantities to a consistent system of units, such as meters and seconds. The standard conversion factor from km/hr to m/s is \(\frac{5}{18}\).

  • Convert man's speed from km/hr to m/s: \[V_M = 5 \text{ km/hr} \times \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s per km/hr} = \frac{25}{18} \text{ m/s}\]

Let the speed of the train be \(V_T\) km/hr. We need to find \(V_T\). Let's also express \(V_T\) in m/s:

  • Convert train's speed from km/hr to m/s: \[V_T \text{ (in m/s)} = V_T \text{ (in km/hr)} \times \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s per km/hr} = \frac{5V_T}{18} \text{ m/s}\]

Calculating Relative Speed

When the train crosses the man moving in the opposite direction, the distance covered is the length of the train (225 m). The time taken is 9 seconds. Using the formula: Distance = Relative Speed \(\times\) Time.

Let the relative speed be \(V_{rel}\) m/s.

\[L_T = V_{rel} \times t\] \[225 \text{ m} = V_{rel} \text{ m/s} \times 9 \text{ s}\]

Now, we can calculate the relative speed:

\[V_{rel} = \frac{225}{9} \text{ m/s}\] \[V_{rel} = 25 \text{ m/s}\]

Relating Relative Speed to Individual Speeds

Since the train and the man are moving in opposite directions, the relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds:

\[V_{rel} = V_T \text{ (in m/s)} + V_M \text{ (in m/s)}\]

We know \(V_{rel} = 25\) m/s and \(V_M = \frac{25}{18}\) m/s. Substituting these values:

\[25 = \frac{5V_T}{18} + \frac{25}{18}\]

To solve for \(\frac{5V_T}{18}\), subtract \(\frac{25}{18}\) from both sides:

\[25 - \frac{25}{18} = \frac{5V_T}{18}\]

Find a common denominator:

\[\frac{25 \times 18}{18} - \frac{25}{18} = \frac{5V_T}{18}\] \[\frac{450 - 25}{18} = \frac{5V_T}{18}\] \[\frac{425}{18} = \frac{5V_T}{18}\]

Multiply both sides by 18:

\[425 = 5V_T\]

Now, solve for \(V_T\) (which is currently in km/hr based on our equation setup, though we used the \(\frac{5}{18}\) factor):

\[V_T = \frac{425}{5}\] \[V_T = 85\]

So, the speed of the train is 85 km/hr.

Alternative Approach (Working directly with relative speed in m/s and converting at the end)

Let the speed of the train in m/s be \(v_t\). The speed of the man in m/s is \(v_m = 5 \times \frac{5}{18} = \frac{25}{18}\) m/s.

When moving in opposite directions, the relative speed is \(v_{rel} = v_t + v_m\).

The distance is the length of the train, \(d = 225\) m. The time is \(t = 9\) s.

\[d = v_{rel} \times t\] \[225 = (v_t + v_m) \times 9\] \[v_t + v_m = \frac{225}{9} = 25 \text{ m/s}\]

Substitute the value of \(v_m\):

\[v_t + \frac{25}{18} = 25\] \[v_t = 25 - \frac{25}{18}\] \[v_t = \frac{25 \times 18 - 25}{18} = \frac{450 - 25}{18} = \frac{425}{18} \text{ m/s}\]

Now, convert the train's speed from m/s back to km/hr. The conversion factor from m/s to km/hr is \(\frac{18}{5}\).

\[V_T \text{ (in km/hr)} = v_t \text{ (in m/s)} \times \frac{18}{5} \text{ km/hr per m/s}\] \[V_T = \frac{425}{18} \times \frac{18}{5}\] \[V_T = \frac{425}{5}\] \[V_T = 85 \text{ km/hr}\]

Conclusion

The speed of the train is 85 km/hr.

Quantity Value (Given) Value (Converted to m/s)
Man's Speed (\(V_M\)) 5 km/hr \(\frac{25}{18}\) m/s
Train's Length (\(L_T\)) 225 m 225 m
Time Taken (\(t\)) 9 s 9 s
Relative Speed (\(V_{rel}\)) - 25 m/s
Train's Speed (\(V_T\)) 85 km/hr \(\frac{425}{18}\) m/s

Revision Table: Relative Speed Concepts

Scenario Relative Speed (\(V_{rel}\)) Distance Covered for Crossing
Objects moving in the same direction (faster overtakes slower) \(|V_1 - V_2|\) Sum of their lengths
Objects moving in opposite directions \(V_1 + V_2\) Sum of their lengths
Train crossing a stationary object (like a pole or a man) Speed of the train Length of the train
Train crossing a moving object (like a man) Relative speed of train w.r.t man Length of the train

Additional Information: Speed, Distance, and Time

The fundamental relationship between speed, distance, and time is:

\[ \text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}} \]

This can be rearranged to find distance or time:

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

It is crucial to ensure that the units are consistent when using these formulas. Common units include:

  • Speed: m/s, km/hr
  • Distance: meters (m), kilometers (km)
  • Time: seconds (s), hours (hr)

The conversion factor between km/hr and m/s is derived from:

\[ 1 \text{ km/hr} = \frac{1 \text{ km}}{1 \text{ hr}} = \frac{1000 \text{ m}}{3600 \text{ s}} = \frac{10}{36} \text{ m/s} = \frac{5}{18} \text{ m/s} \]

And conversely:

\[ 1 \text{ m/s} = \frac{1 \text{ m}}{1 \text{ s}} = \frac{1/1000 \text{ km}}{1/3600 \text{ hr}} = \frac{3600}{1000} \text{ km/hr} = \frac{18}{5} \text{ km/hr} \]
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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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