A goods train runs at the speed of 72 kmph and crosses a 250 m long platform in 26 seconds. What is the length of the goods train?

Step 1: Understand the given data

• Speed of the goods train = 72 km/h
• Length of the platform = 250 meters
• Time taken to cross the platform = 26 seconds

Step 2: Convert speed to meters/second

Speed in m/s = 72 × (5/18) = 20 m/s

Step 3: Calculate total distance covered in 26 seconds

Distance = Speed × Time = 20 × 26 = 520 meters

Step 4: Find the length of the train

Total distance covered includes the train and the platform:

Length of train = Total distance - Length of platform
Length of train = 520 - 250 = 270 meters

Answer: 270 meters

The length of the goods train is 270 meters.

This problem illustrates a key concept in speed and distance calculations, where the total distance covered by the train while crossing a platform is the sum of its own length and the length of the platform.