Two trains are approaching each other on parallel tracks. Their length

Two trains are approaching each other on parallel tracks. Their lengths are 700 m and 400 m, respectively. The speed of the first train is 95 km/hr and that of the second train is 125 km/hr. The time required by the trains to cross each other is :

20 seconds
18 seconds
16 seconds
14 seconds
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2023
The correct answer is 18 seconds. This is calculated by considering the relative speed of the trains approaching each other and the total distance they need to cover to cross each other.
– When two objects move towards each other, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds.
– Speed of first train = 95 km/hr.
– Speed of second train = 125 km/hr.
– Relative speed = 95 + 125 = 220 km/hr.
– To convert km/hr to m/s, multiply by 5/18: 220 km/hr = 220 * (5/18) m/s = 1100/18 m/s = 550/9 m/s.
– The total distance the trains must cover to cross each other is the sum of their lengths.
– Length of first train = 700 m.
– Length of second train = 400 m.
– Total distance = 700 + 400 = 1100 m.
– Time taken = Total distance / Relative speed.
– Time = 1100 m / (550/9 m/s) = 1100 * (9/550) seconds = (1100/550) * 9 seconds = 2 * 9 seconds = 18 seconds.
This is a classic problem involving relative speed. The key is to understand that the ‘distance’ covered when trains cross is the sum of their lengths, and when moving towards each other, their speeds add up. If they were moving in the same direction, the relative speed would be the difference between their speeds.