A 15,000-kg train accelerates uniformly from 0 to 15 m/s when passing through a distance of 150m. What is its kinetic energy when it is 75m down the track?

Question

roadjester · Answer

I'm not sure if this is an easier or harder approach, but I would use the kinematic equations to solve for the acceleration. From there, again use the kinematic equations by using the acceleration you just found to calculate the time it takes to travel that distance. Since it's constant acceleration, 75m is half of 150 so it's half the time.

Use that to find your final velocity at 75 m.

Then apply K=1/2 mv^2.

Personally I think that's a bit too complicated but I'm a bit drowsy so I can't think of a shorter approach at the moment.

anonymous · Answer

Alright, let me give it a go and see.