Answer:
a) 0 mi/s^2
b) 52 mi/s
Explanation:
Assuming the crossing is 1/2 mile past point A and that point B is near point A (it isn't clear in the problem)
The train was running at 70 mi/h at point A and with constant deceleration reachesn the crossing 1/2 mile away with a speed of 52 mi/h
The equation for position under constant acceleration is:
X(t) = X0 + V0 * t + 1/2 * a * t^2
I set my reference system so that the train passes point A at t=0 and point A is X = 0, so X0 = 0.
Also the equation for speed under constant acceleration is:
V(t) = V0 + a * t
Replacing
52 = 70 + a * t
Rearranging
a * t = 52 - 70
a = -18/t
I can then calculate the time it will take it to reach the crossing
1/2 * a * t^2 + V0 * t - X(t) = 0
Replacing
1/2 (-18/t) * t^ + 70 * t - 1/2 = 0
-9 * t + 70 * t = 1/2
61 * t = 1/2
t = (1/2)/61 = 0.0082 h = 29.5 s
And the acceleration is:
a = -18/0.0082 = -2195 mi/(h^2)
To beath the train the car must reach the crossing in 29.5 - 4.3 = 25.2 s
X(t) = X0 + V0 * t + 1/2 * a * t^2
52 mi/h = 0.0144 mi/s
1/2 = 0 + 0.0144 * 25.2 + 1/2 * a * 25.2^2
1/2 = 0.363 + 317.5 * a
317.5 * a = 0.5 - 0.363
a = 0.137/317.5 = 0.00043 mi/s^2 (its almost zero)
The car should remain at about constant speed.
It will be running at the same speed.
