A 350 m long train is moving at 20 km/h. A man is walking toward the train from the opposite direction at 1 km/h (treat the man as a point). In how many seconds will the train completely cross the man?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 60 sec

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When two bodies move toward each other, their relative speed is the sum of individual speeds. For a point-like man and a finite-length train, the crossing time equals (train length) / (relative speed).


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Train length = 350 m.
  • Train speed = 20 km/h.
  • Man speed (opposite) = 1 km/h.
  • 1 km/h = 1000/3600 m/s.


Concept / Approach:
Compute relative speed in m/s, then use time = distance / speed. Only the train’s length matters because the man is a point object.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Relative speed = (20 + 1) km/h = 21 km/h.Convert: 21 km/h = 21 * 1000 / 3600 = 5.833... m/s.Time = 350 / 5.833... = 60 s.


Verification / Alternative check:
Multiply 60 s by 5.833... m/s ≈ 350 m, matching the train length.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
27/35/45 s correspond to higher relative speeds that are not possible with the given velocities.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to add speeds for opposite motion, or not converting km/h to m/s before dividing.


Final Answer:
60 sec

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