The worked question on this page is original educational practice. It is not represented as a question from an official previous-year examination paper.
01 / UNDERSTANDING
Review the question
Create original questions sharing one train but changing the reference object. Compare pole and platform answers to reveal whether the learner is modelling the event or merely substituting familiar numbers.
02 / UNDERSTANDING
The concept in context
Keep length and speed units compatible. Multiplying kilometres per hour by five eighteenths converts to metres per second. A diagram of the front and rear positions often clarifies the required distance. Relative motion describes how one object closes on another and should not be confused with either train’s own speed relative to the ground.
03 / UNDERSTANDING
A worked learning case
Original educational case. An original 150-metre train moves at 54 km/h, equal to 15 m/s. Passing a pole takes 150/15 = 10 seconds. Clearing a 150-metre platform takes 300/15 = 20 seconds, because both lengths must pass the same reference edge. The speed is unchanged; the event definition changes the required distance.
ORIGINAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE
Try it before you check.
Original practice: A 120 m train travels at 36 km/h. How long to pass a pole?
Show the answer and reasoning
12 seconds.
Convert 36 km/h to 10 m/s using 5/18. To pass a pole, the train travels its own 120-metre length, so time is 120 ÷ 10 = 12 seconds. No platform length is supplied or required. Using kilometres per hour directly with metres would create incompatible units and an incorrect result.
Two traps to watch for.
- Adding platform length when the reference is only a pole.
- Using ground speed instead of relative speed for two moving trains.
YOUR TOPIC-SPECIFIC LEARNING MAP
Learn from the attempt
Identify exactly what must be cleared.
Convert speed and length to compatible units.
Choose sum or difference for relative speed.
Explain the idea, apply it to a new situation, then check what changed in your reasoning.
BANKERS TUTORIAL · SOURCE NOTES
Keep the source alongside your notes.
Official links provide subject context and authoritative reference material. This guide’s explanation, scenario and question are original Bankers Tutorial learning content.
- www.ibps.in https://www.ibps.in/
- www.ibps.in https://www.ibps.in/index.php/faq/
For IBPS & RRB preparation, check the current official notice before relying on changing dates, rules or examination requirements.
