Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Newton's Second Law of Motion
Newton's Second Law states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma). This principle is essential for calculating the force Superman must exert to stop the train, as it allows us to determine the required acceleration based on the train's initial speed and stopping distance.
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Kinematic Equations
Kinematic equations describe the motion of objects under constant acceleration. In this scenario, we can use these equations to relate the train's initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, and distance traveled. This will help us find the acceleration needed to stop the train within the specified distance.
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Weight and Gravitational Force
The weight of an object is the force exerted on it due to gravity, calculated as the product of its mass and the acceleration due to gravity (W = mg). Understanding the weight of the train is crucial for comparing the force Superman exerts to stop it, as well as determining the force the train exerts on Superman, which is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction according to Newton's Third Law.
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