Question 7: Between two stations, a train accelerates from rest uniformly at first, then moves with constant velocity, and finally retards uniformly to come to rest. If the ratio of the time taken is 1 : 8 : 1 and the maximum speed attained be 60 km h–¹, then what is the average speed over the whole journey?
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Solution:
- Time Ratios: The time ratios are given as 1:8:1. So, if the total time is t, the train spends 10t accelerating, 108t at constant velocity, and 10t decelerating.
- Velocity-Time Graph:
- The graph forms a trapezium.
- The train accelerates linearly from 0 to 60 km/h, holds constant at 60 km/h, and then decelerates back to 0.
Key points:
- The area under this graph represents the total distance traveled.
- The height (maximum velocity) = 60 km/h.
- The time intervals are in the ratio 1:8:1.
- Average Speed:
The area of the trapezium is given by:
Area=21×(ttotal)×(initial velocity+final velocity)For the constant velocity portion:
Average speed=1060×(1+8+1)=54km/h
Thus, the average speed is 54 km/h.
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