Shortcut Trick
Total distance to be covered = 250 + 350 = 600 m
Relative speed (Opposite direction) = Total distance ÷ Time = 600 ÷ 60 = 10 m/s
Since speeds are equal, speed of each train = 10 ÷ 2 = 5 m/s
Convert m/s to km/hr: 5 × (18/5) = 18 km/hr
∴ The correct answer is 18 km/hr.
Alternate Method
Given:
Length of Train A = 250 m
Length of Train B = 350 m
Crossing time = 60 sec
Speed of Train A = Speed of Train B = S
Formula Used:
Relative Speed (Opposite Direction) = Speed1 + Speed2
Distance = Relative Speed × Time
Calculations:
⇒ Total Distance = 250 + 350 = 600 m
⇒ Relative Speed = S + S = 2S
⇒ 2S = 600 ÷ 60
⇒ 2S = 10 m/s
⇒ S = 5 m/s
⇒ To convert m/s to km/hr, multiply by 18/5
⇒ Speed = 5 × (18/5) = 18 km/hr
∴ The correct answer is 18 km/hr.
Additional Information
Relative Speed in Opposite Direction
When two objects move in opposite directions, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds: Vrel = V1 + V2.
Relative Speed in Same Direction
When two objects move in the same direction, their relative speed is the difference between their speeds: Vrel = |V1 − V2|.
Unit Conversion
To convert km/hr to m/s, multiply by 5/18. To convert m/s to km/hr, multiply by 18/5.
Crossing Stationary Objects
When a train crosses a pole or a man, distance = length of train. When it crosses a platform or bridge, distance = length of train + length of platform.