Question 1

A train runs at 36 km/h and crosses a standing man in 10 seconds. In how many seconds will it cross a platform 55 m long?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Crossing a man reveals the train length; crossing a platform requires covering train length plus platform length at the same speed. Convert consistently between units. Given Data / Assumptions: Speed = 36 km/h = 10 m/s. Man-cross time = 10 s → train length L = 10 * 10 = 100 m. Platform length = 55 m. Concept / Approach: Platform-cross time = (L + platform length) / speed. Step-by-Step Solution: L = 100 m.Time over platform = (100 + 55) / 10 = 15.5 s. Verification / Alternative check: At 10 m/s, 15.5 s covers 155 m, exactly train + platform. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 5.5, 6, 7.5 s are too short to cover 155 m at 10 m/s. Common Pitfalls: Using only platform length instead of adding train length. Final Answer: 15.5 seconds

Question 2

A train crosses a 100 m platform in 60 seconds at a speed of 45 km/h. How long will it take to cross an electric pole?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Crossing a platform yields an equation for (train length + platform length). With speed known, we can derive the train length and then compute the time to cross a pole (distance = train length only). Given Data / Assumptions: Speed v = 45 km/h = 12.5 m/s. Platform length = 100 m; platform-cross time = 60 s. Concept / Approach: (L + 100) = v * 60. Solve for L, then pole-cross time = L / v. Step-by-Step Solution: L + 100 = 12.5 * 60 = 750 → L = 650 m.Time to cross pole = 650 / 12.5 = 52 s. Verification / Alternative check: Platform check: (650 + 100)/12.5 = 60 s; consistent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 8 s and 1 minute conflict with the computed length and speed; “Data inadequate” is incorrect because the given info suffices. Common Pitfalls: Assuming platform-cross time equals pole-cross time, or forgetting to add platform length. Final Answer: 52 seconds

Question 3

Two trains of equal length run on parallel lines in the same direction at 46 km/h and 36 km/h. The faster completely passes the slower in 36 seconds. What is the length of each train?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: For same-direction overtaking, the relative speed is the difference of speeds. The distance that must be covered to “completely pass” equals the sum of both train lengths. With equal lengths, that distance is 2L. Given Data / Assumptions: Speeds: 46 km/h and 36 km/h (same direction). Pass time = 36 s. Lengths are equal = L each. Concept / Approach: Relative speed v_rel = (46 − 36) km/h = 10 km/h = 2.777... m/s. Distance to pass = 2L = v_rel * t. Step-by-Step Solution: 2L = 2.777... * 36 = 100 m → L = 50 m. Verification / Alternative check: At 2.777... m/s, covering 100 m requires 36 s, as given. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 72, 80, 82 m contradict the product of relative speed and time with equal-length assumption. Common Pitfalls: Using only one length instead of both in same-direction overtaking, or adding speeds (used for opposite direction). Final Answer: 50 metres

Question 4

Two trains 132 m and 108 m long run in opposite directions at 32 km/h and 40 km/h, respectively. From the moment they meet, how many seconds do they take to cross each other completely?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: For trains moving in opposite directions, the total distance to clear is the sum of lengths; the relative speed is the sum of speeds. Time equals distance over relative speed with consistent units. Given Data / Assumptions: L1 = 132 m; L2 = 108 m; total = 240 m. Speeds = 32 km/h and 40 km/h → combined = 72 km/h. Concept / Approach: Convert 72 km/h to m/s, then compute time = 240 / (relative speed in m/s). Step-by-Step Solution: 72 km/h = 20 m/s.t = 240 / 20 = 12 s. Verification / Alternative check: In 12 s at 20 m/s, the combined distance is 240 m, exactly the sum of lengths. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10, 11, 13 s do not match 240 m at 20 m/s. Common Pitfalls: Using difference of speeds (for same direction) instead of sum for opposite directions. Final Answer: 12 seconds

Question 5

A 300 m long train crosses a 900 m long platform in 1 minute 12 seconds. What is the speed of the train (in km/h)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When crossing a platform, the train must cover its own length plus the platform length. With total time known, speed follows from total distance divided by time, then converted to km/h. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length = 300 m. Platform length = 900 m. Total time = 72 s. Concept / Approach: Total distance = 300 + 900 = 1200 m. Speed in m/s = distance / time; km/h = (m/s)*3.6. Step-by-Step Solution: v = 1200 / 72 = 16.666... m/s.In km/h: 16.666... * 3.6 = 60 km/h. Verification / Alternative check: At 60 km/h (16.666... m/s), 72 s covers 1200 m as required. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 45, 50, 54 km/h understate the speed and would take longer than 72 s to cover 1200 m. Common Pitfalls: Using only the platform length, ignoring the train's own length. Final Answer: 60

Question 6

How long will a 130 m long train traveling at 40 km/h take to pass a kilometer stone (a fixed point)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Passing a fixed point requires the train to cover its own length at its speed. We convert the speed to m/s to work with seconds and meters. Given Data / Assumptions: L = 130 m. v = 40 km/h. Concept / Approach: 40 km/h = 40 * 1000/3600 = 11.111... m/s. Time = distance / speed = L / v. Step-by-Step Solution: t = 130 / 11.111... ≈ 11.7 s. Verification / Alternative check: At 11.111... m/s for 11.7 s, distance ≈ 130 m, confirming the calculation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 11.2, 11, or 12 s are rounded values that do not match the precise quotient 130/11.111.... Common Pitfalls: Leaving speed in km/h while using seconds, or mis-rounding the m/s conversion. Final Answer: 11.7 sec

Question 7

A train traveling at 30 km/h takes 13.5 seconds to pass a fixed point. What is the length of the train (in meters)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Passing a fixed point equals train length traveled in the given time. Convert speed to m/s to multiply by seconds and get length in meters. Given Data / Assumptions: v = 30 km/h. t = 13.5 s. Concept / Approach: 30 km/h = 8.333... m/s. Length L = v * t in consistent units. Step-by-Step Solution: L = 8.333... * 13.5 = 112.5 m. Verification / Alternative check: At 8.333... m/s, 112.5 m takes 13.5 s, matching the given time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 112 m or 113 m are rounding approximations and not exact; “None of these” is incorrect because 112.5 m is a precise match. Common Pitfalls: Using km/h directly with seconds without converting to m/s. Final Answer: 112.5 metres

Question 8

A train 160 m long passes a standing man in 18 seconds. What is the speed of the train (in km/h)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Crossing a stationary observer requires the train to travel a distance equal to its length. We compute speed from distance and time, then convert to km/h for the final answer. Given Data / Assumptions: L = 160 m. t = 18 s. Concept / Approach: Speed in m/s = distance / time = 160 / 18 = 8.888... m/s. Convert to km/h by multiplying by 3.6. Step-by-Step Solution: v = 160 / 18 ≈ 8.888... m/s.In km/h: 8.888... * 3.6 ≈ 32 km/h. Verification / Alternative check: At 32 km/h (8.888... m/s), 18 s covers 160 m, matching the data. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 28 or 36 km/h would yield lengths different from 160 m in 18 s. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting to convert m/s to km/h correctly or rounding too early. Final Answer: 32 km/h

Question 9

Problems on Trains – Bridge length from crossing time A train of length 130 m travels at 45 km/h and crosses a bridge completely in 30 seconds. What is the length of the bridge?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Questions about trains crossing bridges test uniform speed, unit conversion, and the idea that total distance covered while clearing a bridge equals train length plus bridge length. This item reinforces the distance = speed * time model with careful unit handling. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length L = 130 m. Speed v = 45 km/h. Crossing time t = 30 s. Assume constant speed and straight track; no acceleration phases. Concept / Approach: The train fully clears the bridge when its tail has just left the far end. Hence total distance D = L + B, where B is bridge length. Convert speed to m/s before using D = v * t. Step-by-Step Solution: v (m/s) = 45 * 1000 / 3600 = 12.5D = v * t = 12.5 * 30 = 375 mB = D - L = 375 - 130 = 245 m Verification / Alternative check: Reverse calculation: If bridge is 245 m, then distance to clear = 130 + 245 = 375 m. Time at 12.5 m/s is 375 / 12.5 = 30 s, which matches the given crossing time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 240 m: Underestimates distance; would give 370 m total and 29.6 s, not 30 s. 235 m: Yields 365 m and 29.2 s, inconsistent. 250 m: Gives 380 m and 30.4 s, too long. None of these: Incorrect because 245 m fits perfectly. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting to convert km/h to m/s; using only the bridge length instead of train+bridge; or using the train length in place of the bridge length in D = v * t. Final Answer: 245 m

Question 10

Marching column – Street length from passage time A column of men 250 m long marches at 50 paces per minute, each pace being 75 cm. It takes 1 hour for the entire column to pass a street. What is the street length?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This problem mirrors train-platform logic. When an object of length L passes completely through a street (platform), the front must cover (street length + L). Converting pace rate to linear speed is essential. Given Data / Assumptions: Column length L = 250 m. Rate = 50 paces/min, step length = 0.75 m. Total time to clear street = 60 min. Concept / Approach: Total distance to clear = street + L. Linear speed s (m/min) = pace rate * step length. Use D = s * t, then street = D - L. Step-by-Step Solution: s = 50 * 0.75 = 37.5 m/minD = 37.5 * 60 = 2250 mStreet = 2250 - 250 = 2000 m = 2 km Verification / Alternative check: If the street is 2 km, then total to clear = 2250 m at 37.5 m/min, requiring 60 min, matching the statement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1 km, 1.5 km, 2.5 km: Do not satisfy D = s * t when adding L. Only 2 km yields the correct 60 min. Common Pitfalls: Using 60 min to compute only street length; forgetting to add the column length; or mixing units of cm and m. Final Answer: 2 km

Question 11

Train–tunnel clearance time A train 540 m long runs at 72 km/h. In what time (in seconds) will it pass completely through a tunnel 160 m long?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When a train passes a tunnel, the tail must clear the far end. Thus, the train must cover its own length plus the tunnel length. Consistent unit conversion is key to accuracy. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length = 540 m. Tunnel length = 160 m. Speed = 72 km/h (uniform). Concept / Approach: Use distance = speed * time. Convert 72 km/h to m/s to align with meters and seconds. Step-by-Step Solution: v = 72 * 1000 / 3600 = 20 m/sTotal distance D = 540 + 160 = 700 mt = D / v = 700 / 20 = 35 s Verification / Alternative check: Multiply back: 35 s * 20 m/s = 700 m which equals 540 + 160, confirming correctness. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 30 s, 40 s, 42 s: Do not match the exact D/v. Only 35 s equals the precise computation. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting to add tunnel length or using km/h directly with meters/seconds. Always convert 72 km/h to 20 m/s. Final Answer: 35 sec

Question 12

Train–platform crossing time A 200 m train runs at 72 km/h. In how many seconds will it pass a platform 160 m long?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Train-platform problems require summing lengths and handling units carefully. The full clearing requires covering train length plus platform length at constant speed. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length = 200 m. Platform length = 160 m. Speed = 72 km/h. Concept / Approach: Convert speed to m/s, compute total distance to clear, then time = distance / speed. Step-by-Step Solution: v = 72 * 1000 / 3600 = 20 m/sD = 200 + 160 = 360 mt = D / v = 360 / 20 = 18 s Verification / Alternative check: 20 m/s * 18 s = 360 m equals the combined length, so the time is consistent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 15 s, 20 s, 21 s: Each gives an incorrect product when multiplied by 20 m/s (300 m, 400 m, 420 m), none equals 360 m. Common Pitfalls: Using only platform length or failing to convert speed from km/h to m/s. Final Answer: 18 sec

Question 13

From pole to bridge – finding total crossing time A 150 m train passes a telegraph post in 12 seconds. In how many seconds will it pass a 250 m bridge?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Speed from a pole crossing yields the train’s speed because only its own length is traversed. That speed then applies to longer structures like bridges, where the distance includes both lengths combined. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length = 150 m. Time to pass pole = 12 s. Bridge length = 250 m. Concept / Approach: First determine speed from pole data. Then compute time for total distance (train + bridge). Step-by-Step Solution: v = distance / time = 150 / 12 = 12.5 m/sTotal distance D = 150 + 250 = 400 mt = D / v = 400 / 12.5 = 32 s Verification / Alternative check: Multiply back: 32 s * 12.5 m/s = 400 m, matching train + bridge lengths. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 24 s, 25 s, 36 s: Each yields inconsistent distances (300 m, 312.5 m, 450 m), not equal to 400 m. Common Pitfalls: Using only bridge length in D; the correct total is train + bridge. Also, beware of rounding speed—here it is exact (12.5 m/s). Final Answer: 32 sec

Question 14

Train crossing a platform – computing time A train 280 m long moves at 60 km/h. How many seconds are required to cross a platform 220 m long?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a direct application of distance = speed * time, with total distance equal to train length plus platform length and careful unit conversion from km/h to m/s. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length = 280 m. Platform length = 220 m. Speed = 60 km/h. Concept / Approach: Convert speed and compute time using total distance. Step-by-Step Solution: v = 60 * 1000 / 3600 = 16.666... m/sD = 280 + 220 = 500 mt = 500 / (60 * 1000 / 3600) = 500 / 16.666... = 30 s Verification / Alternative check: 16.666... m/s * 30 s = 500 m, which equals the combined lengths. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 20 s, 25 s, 35 s: Each gives the wrong travel distance at the given speed. Only 30 s is exact. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting to add both lengths or rounding 16.666... too early. Keep exact fraction 50/3 when possible. Final Answer: 30 sec

Question 15

Tunnel length from crossing time A train 700 m long runs at 72 km/h and crosses a tunnel completely in 1 minute. What is the length of the tunnel?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Tunnel problems require adding the tunnel length to the train length for total distance covered during the crossing interval. Uniform motion assumptions apply. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length = 700 m. Speed = 72 km/h = 20 m/s. Time t = 60 s. Concept / Approach: Compute total distance in the given time, then subtract the train length to isolate the tunnel length. Step-by-Step Solution: D = v * t = 20 * 60 = 1200 mTunnel length = D - 700 = 500 m Verification / Alternative check: Recompose: 700 + 500 = 1200 m in 60 s at 20 m/s. This checks out. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 700 m, 600 m, 550 m: All give totals different from 1200 m in 60 s at 20 m/s. Common Pitfalls: Using only tunnel length in D = v * t; you must include the whole train length during clearing. Final Answer: 500 m

Question 16

Two trains and the same bridge – second crossing time A train at 90 km/h crosses a bridge in 36 s. Another train that is 100 m shorter crosses the same bridge at 45 km/h. How long does the second train take?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Here, two trains of different lengths and speeds cross the same bridge. The first crossing provides the bridge length implicitly; then reuse that with the second train’s speed and length to find its time. Algebraic elimination avoids explicitly solving for individual lengths. Given Data / Assumptions: First speed v1 = 90 km/h = 25 m/s; time t1 = 36 s. Second speed v2 = 45 km/h = 12.5 m/s; length L2 = L1 - 100 m. Same bridge; uniform speeds. Concept / Approach: For the first train: v1 * t1 = L1 + B, hence B = 25 * 36 - L1 = 900 - L1. For the second: time t2 satisfies v2 * t2 = L2 + B = (L1 - 100) + (900 - L1) = 800, eliminating L1. Step-by-Step Solution: Distance for train 2 = 800 mt2 = 800 / 12.5 = 64 s Verification / Alternative check: Whatever the actual L1 is, the combined expression simplifies to 800 m. The second train at 12.5 m/s must therefore take 64 s. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 60 s, 72 s: Correspond to distances 750 m and 900 m, inconsistent with 800 m. “1 hr” is obviously not plausible for a bridge crossing. Common Pitfalls: Trying to find the bridge and first train lengths separately; unnecessary algebra causes errors. Use elimination as shown. Final Answer: 64 sec

Question 17

Head-on trains – time to clear each other Two trains of lengths 132 m and 108 m run towards each other on parallel tracks at 32 km/h and 40 km/h respectively. How many seconds from meeting until they are clear?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When two trains approach head-on, use relative speed. The time from the instant their fronts meet until they are clear equals (sum of lengths)/(relative speed). Given Data / Assumptions: L1 = 132 m, L2 = 108 m. Speeds: 32 km/h and 40 km/h (uniform). Concept / Approach: Relative speed for opposite directions is v1 + v2. Convert to m/s, then apply t = (L1 + L2)/v_rel. Step-by-Step Solution: v_rel = (32 + 40) km/h = 72 km/h = 72 * 1000 / 3600 = 20 m/sTotal length = 132 + 108 = 240 mt = 240 / 20 = 12 s Verification / Alternative check: Reverse: 12 s * 20 m/s = 240 m, which matches the sum of lengths. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 9 s → 180 m; 15 s → 300 m; neither equals 240 m. “Data inadequate” is incorrect; we have all needed data. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting to add speeds for opposite directions or failing to convert km/h to m/s before using meters and seconds. Final Answer: 12 sec

Question 18

Duplicate tunnel setup – compute tunnel length A 700 m train runs at 72 km/h and crosses a tunnel in 1 minute. What is the tunnel length?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is the same structure as a prior item: total distance in the interval equals train length plus tunnel length. Convert speed and multiply by time to get distance. Given Data / Assumptions: Train length = 700 m. Speed = 72 km/h = 20 m/s. Time = 60 s. Concept / Approach: Compute D and subtract train length to find tunnel length. Step-by-Step Solution: D = 20 * 60 = 1200 mTunnel length = 1200 - 700 = 500 m Verification / Alternative check: Adding back: 700 + 500 = 1200 m in 60 s at 20 m/s — consistent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 550 m and 600 m lead to too much distance; 700 m confuses tunnel length with total. Only 500 m works. Common Pitfalls: Using only tunnel length in D = v*t. Always include the train length for clearing a tunnel. Final Answer: 500 m

Question 19

Bridge length from mixed data – train and time A 100 m train runs at 36 km/h and takes 25 s to pass a bridge. What is the bridge length?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Again, distance covered equals train plus bridge lengths. Find speed in m/s, compute total distance via D = v * t, then subtract train length to get the bridge length. Given Data / Assumptions: L_train = 100 m. v = 36 km/h = 10 m/s. t = 25 s. Concept / Approach: D = v * t; bridge = D - L_train. Step-by-Step Solution: D = 10 * 25 = 250 mBridge = 250 - 100 = 150 m Verification / Alternative check: At 10 m/s, the train covers 250 m in 25 s, enough for 100 m train plus 150 m bridge. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 144 m, 90 m, 540 m: Do not meet the computed D. Only 150 m matches. Common Pitfalls: Not converting 36 km/h to 10 m/s, or subtracting incorrectly. Final Answer: 150 meter

Question 20

Express vs local – platform length from combined scenarios A 48 km/h train completely crosses an opposite 42 km/h train (half its length) in 12 s, and passes a platform in 45 s. Find the platform length.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This composite problem first uses relative speed to deduce train length from a crossing event, then applies that length to find a platform length from a single-train crossing time. Handling multiple steps cleanly is the key skill. Given Data / Assumptions: Train A speed = 48 km/h; Train B speed = 42 km/h; B length = A length / 2. They cross (opposite) in 12 s. Train A passes a platform in 45 s at 48 km/h. Concept / Approach: Opposite direction relative speed v_rel = 48 + 42 = 90 km/h = 25 m/s. Crossing time gives sum of lengths. Then use A's platform pass to compute platform length. Step-by-Step Solution: Let length of A be L; of B be L/2.Sum = L + L/2 = 3L/2 = v_rel * 12 = 25 * 12 = 300Thus L = 200 m.For platform: v_A = 48 km/h = 13.333... m/sDistance in 45 s = 13.333... * 45 = 600 mPlatform length = 600 - 200 = 400 m Verification / Alternative check: Recompute crossing: A + B = 200 + 100 = 300 m; 300 / 25 m/s = 12 s, consistent. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 450 m, 560 m, 600 m: Do not align with the computed 600 m traverse minus 200 m train length. Common Pitfalls: Using 48 km/h as 48 m/s or forgetting to halve the length of B. Maintain unit discipline. Final Answer: 400 m

Problems on Trains Questions