Two locomotives approach each other on a straight, level track: one from the eas

Question

Two locomotives approach each other on a straight, level track: one from the east and one

from the west. Initially they are 7500m apart and have a speed of 10m/s with respect to the

ground. If both locomotives accelerate toward the east at a constant rate of 0.025 m/s^2

in how many minutes will they collide? Hint: There are two objects moving in this problem, so

each one gets its own set of equations of motion. (Give the variables different names to avoid

confusion.) Also, the trains collide when they

Explanation / Answer

the distance each train should trvael is 7500 /2 = 3750m

initial velocity = 10 m/s

acceleration = 0.025 m/s^2

we have formula

s= u*t +1/2 * a * t^2

3750 = 10 * t + 1/2 * 0.025 * t^2

solving for t , we get

t= 278.23 seconds

= 4 min 38 sec

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