An express train traveling at 72 kn/hr speed crosses a goods train traveling…

2025

An express train traveling at 72 kn/hr speed crosses a goods train traveling at 45 km/hr speed in the opposite direction in half a minute . Alternatively , if the express train were to overtake the goods train , how long will it take to accomplish the task . Assume that the trains continue to travel at the same respective speeds as mentioned in case 1.

  1. A.

    120 sec

  2. B.

    100 sec

  3. C.

    150 sec

  4. D.

    130 sec

Attempted by 2 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Given: an express train at 72 km/h and a goods train at 45 km/h. They cross in opposite directions in 30 seconds.

Step 1 — Find the total length of the two trains:

  • Relative speed when moving in opposite directions = 72 + 45 = 117 km/h.

  • 30 seconds = 30/3600 = 1/120 hour.

  • Total length (sum of both trains) = 117 × 1/120 = 39/40 km.

Step 2 — Time to overtake when moving in the same direction:

  • Relative speed when moving in the same direction = 72 − 45 = 27 km/h.

  • Time (hours) = (total length) / relative speed = (39/40) / 27 = 39/1080 hours.

  • Convert to seconds: 39/1080 × 3600 = 39 × (3600/1080) = 39 × 10/3 = 130 seconds.

Answer: 130 seconds.

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