A train moving with a speed of 72 km/h applies brakes and comes to a stop in 10

A train moving with a speed of 72 km/h applies brakes and comes to a stop in 10 seconds. What is the magnitude of its acceleration?

A train moving with a speed of 72 km/h applies brakes and comes to a stop in 10 seconds. What is the magnitude of its acceleration?

Step 1: Convert the speed from kilometers per hour (km/h) to meters per second (m/s). Use the conversion factor: 1 km/h = 1/3.6 m/s. So, 72 km/h = 72 / 3.6 = 20 m/s.
Step 2: Identify the initial velocity (u) and final velocity (v). The initial velocity is 20 m/s (the speed of the train before braking) and the final velocity is 0 m/s (the train stops).
Step 3: Determine the time taken to stop. The time given is 10 seconds.
Step 4: Use the formula for acceleration: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time. Plug in the values: acceleration = (0 m/s - 20 m/s) / 10 s.
Step 5: Calculate the acceleration: acceleration = -20 m/s / 10 s = -2 m/s².

Unit Conversion – Understanding how to convert speed from kilometers per hour to meters per second.
Acceleration Calculation – Applying the formula for acceleration, which involves the change in velocity over time.
Understanding Negative Acceleration – Recognizing that a negative value indicates deceleration or slowing down.