Given that, the initial velocity u=20m/s, the distance of the station S1=500m, and the final velocity v=0.
The relation between the distance travelled (S) by the train with its initial velocity (u) and its final velocity (v) is given by
v2=u2−2aS........................(1)
where, a indicates the retardation of the train.
Substitute the values corresponding to the initial condition into equation (1) and solve to calculate the retardation of the train.
0a==(20)2−2×a×5000.4m/s2
For the second scenario, the initial velocity u=20m/s and the distance travelled by the train S2=250m.
Use these values along with the value of the retardation into equation (1) and solve to calculate the final velocity of the train.
v2v===(20)2−2×0.4×250200200..........................(2)
Comparing the value of the final velocity obtained in equation (2) with the given expression, we get x=200.