Two trains, each 100 m long, moving in opposite directions, cross each other in 8 seconds. If one is moving twice as fast the other, then the speed of the faster train is :
Aptitude
Problems on Trains
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A30 km/hr
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B45 km/hr
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C60 km/hr
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D75 km/hr
Answer
Correct Answer: 60 km/hr
Explanation
### Concept & Relative Speed
When two trains move in opposite directions, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds. They must cover a distance equal to the sum of their lengths to cross each other.
$$ \text{Relative Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Length}}{\text{Time}} $$
### Step-by-Step Solution
* Total distance to cover = Sum of lengths = $100 + 100 = 200$ meters.
* Time taken to cross = 8 seconds.
* Relative speed in m/s = $\frac{200}{8} = 25$ m/s.
* Convert relative speed to km/hr: $25 \times \frac{18}{5} = 90$ km/hr.
* Let the speed of the slower train be $x$ km/hr. The faster train is $2x$ km/hr.
* Relative speed = $x + 2x = 3x$.
* Equating speeds: $3x = 90 \Rightarrow x = 30$ km/hr.
* Speed of the faster train = $2x = 60$ km/hr.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Calculate relative speed directly in m/s, assign ratios (1:2 means 3 parts total), find the value of one part ($25 / 3$ m/s), and then calculate the faster train's speed before converting: $2 \times \frac{25}{3} \times \frac{18}{5} = 60$ km/hr.
### Common Pitfall
Forgetting to convert the relative speed from m/s to km/hr before finding the individual speeds, leading to incorrect choices.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **60 km/hr**.