Question icon
Grade 11Mechanics

Two trains of length 100m are running on parallel tracks . One overtake the other I in 20s when they are moving in the same direction and crosses the other in 10s when they are in opposite direction . The velocities of the train are

Profile image of Basma
8 Years agoGrade 11
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To solve the problem of the two trains overtaking each other, we need to analyze the information given about their speeds and the time taken to overtake. Let's break it down step by step.

Understanding the Scenario

We have two trains, each 100 meters long. When they are moving in the same direction, one train overtakes the other in 20 seconds. When they are moving in opposite directions, one train crosses the other in 10 seconds. Our goal is to find the velocities of both trains.

Defining Variables

Let's denote:

  • Train A with speed vA
  • Train B with speed vB

Calculating Relative Speeds

When the trains are moving in the same direction, the relative speed is the difference of their speeds:

Relative Speed (Same Direction) = vA - vB

When they are moving in opposite directions, the relative speed is the sum of their speeds:

Relative Speed (Opposite Direction) = vA + vB

Setting Up Equations

Now, let's set up the equations based on the time taken to overtake:

1. Overtaking in the Same Direction

When Train A overtakes Train B in 20 seconds, the distance covered is equal to the length of Train A plus the length of Train B:

Distance = Length of Train A + Length of Train B = 100m + 100m = 200m

Using the formula: Distance = Speed × Time, we have:

200 = (vA - vB) × 20

This simplifies to:

vA - vB = 10 (Equation 1)

2. Crossing in the Opposite Direction

When they cross each other in 10 seconds, the distance remains the same:

200 = (vA + vB) × 10

This simplifies to:

vA + vB = 20 (Equation 2)

Solving the Equations

Now we have a system of two equations:

  • vA - vB = 10 (Equation 1)
  • vA + vB = 20 (Equation 2)

To solve for vA and vB, we can add both equations:

(vA - vB) + (vA + vB) = 10 + 20

This simplifies to:

2vA = 30

Thus, we find:

vA = 15 m/s

Now, substituting vA back into Equation 1 to find vB:

15 - vB = 10

Solving for vB gives:

vB = 5 m/s

Final Results

In conclusion, the velocities of the trains are:

  • Train A: 15 m/s
  • Train B: 5 m/s

This analysis shows how we can use relative speed and time to determine the velocities of moving objects. If you have any further questions or need clarification on any part of this process, feel free to ask!