The driver of a train travelling at 40 ms-1 applies the brakes as a train enters a station. The train slowsdown at a rate of 2 ms-2. The platform is 400 m long. Will the train stop in time?

Initial Speed = u = 40 ms-1

Acceleration = a = - 2 ms-2 (Retardation, hence negative)


Final Speed = v


Now, s = Distance train travels before stopping


Now, we know from the equations of motion that,





s = 400 m


So, the train covers 400 m before stopping.


Also the length of platform = 400 m.


So, the train stops in time.


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