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Two trains of equal length are running on parallel lines in the same direction at 46 km/hr and 36 km/hr. The faster train passes the slower train in 36 seconds. The length of each train is:

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 50 m

Explanation:

Given Data

  • Two trains of equal length run in the same direction
  • Speeds = 46 km/hr and 36 km/hr
  • Time for the faster to pass the slower = 36 s
  • Required: length of each train

Step 1: Use relative speed (same direction ⇒ difference)
vrel = 46 − 36 = 10 km/hrConvert to m/s: 10 × (5/18) = 50/18 ≈ 2.7778 m/s


Step 2: Crossing distance
For one train to completely pass the other, distance = sum of lengths = L + L = 2LTime t = 36 s = distance ÷ speed = (2L) ÷ vrel2L = vrel × t = (50/18) × 36 = 100 m ⇒ L = 50 m


Checks & Common Pitfalls

  • Same direction uses the difference of speeds, not the sum.
  • Crossing another train requires the sum of their lengths.
  • Keep units consistent (convert km/hr to m/s).

Final Answer
Each train's length is 50 m.

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