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Calculating the Length of a Bridge Using Trains and Speed

June 14, 2025Transportation2920
Calculating the Length of a Bridge Using Trains and Speed Understandin

Calculating the Length of a Bridge Using Trains and Speed

Understanding how to calculate the length of a bridge using the speed and time a train takes to cross it is an essential skill in solving real-world problems involving motion. In this article, we will walk through a step-by-step method to determine the length of a bridge based on the information provided about a train's speed and the time it takes to cross the bridge.

The given problem presents us with a 480-meter long train running at a speed of 36 km/hr. It takes 64 seconds to cross a bridge. Our task is to find the length of the bridge. Let's break down the solution methodically.

Step 1: Convert Units to Consistent Measures

The first step in solving the problem is to ensure all units are in consistent measures. The train's speed is given in kilometers per hour (km/hr), and the time taken is in seconds. Therefore, we need to convert the speed from km/hr to meters per second (m/s).

Speed of the train in m/s 36 km/hr * (5/18) 10 m/s

Step 2: Formulate the Distance Equation

Next, we need to set up an equation based on the distance covered. The total distance covered by the train in 64 seconds is the sum of the train's length and the bridge's length. We can express this as:

Total distance covered Length of train Length of bridge

The total distance covered in 64 seconds is also given by the product of the speed and the time taken. Hence,

D S × T, where D 10 m/s × 64 s

D 640 m

Step 3: Solve for the Bridge Length

We now have an equation that allows us to solve for the length of the bridge. We know the total distance D and the length of the train (480 m). Therefore, the length of the bridge can be calculated as:

Length of bridge Total distance - Length of train

Length of bridge 640 m - 480 m

Length of bridge 160 m

Conclusion

The length of the bridge is 160 meters. This method can be applied to similar problems involving the movement of vehicles and the lengths they cover.

Related Keywords

train length calculation bridge calculation speed and distance problems