Question

Two trains move towards each other on a straight track/railroad. The left train has a constant speed of 29ms, the right train has a constant speed of 29ms. The trains are a distance of 4744.6 meters apart. How far does the left train travel until it reaches the meeting point? Both trains maintain their speeds.

Answer 1

Answer:

The left train travels 2378 m until it reaches the meeting point.

Explanation:

The equation for the position of the trains is the following:

x = x0 + v · t

Where:

x = position at time t

x0 = initial position

v = velocity

t = time

If we place the origin of the frame of reference at the initial position of the left train, the right train will be at an initial position of 4744. 6 m relative to the left train. The velocity of the right train will be negative because it will be heading towards the origin.

At the meeting point, the position of both trains is the same:

x left train = x right train

x0₁ + v₁  ·t = x0₂ + v₂ · t

0m + 29 m/s · t = 4744.6 m - 29 m/s · t

58 m/s · t = 4744.6 m

t = 4744.6 m / 58 /s

t = 82 s

The position of the left train at that time will be:

x = x0 + v · t

x = 0 m + 29 m/s · 82 s

x = 2378 m

The left train travels 2378 m until it reaches the meeting point.