KPSC Staff Nurse - 2017
Non Nursing Subjects
Hard

A bullet train is traveling at a speed of 131 km/h.

How many seconds will it take to cover a distance of 9.8 km?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

  • The fundamental formula relating speed, distance, and time is Time = Distance / Speed.
  • A direct calculation using the given units (9.8 km / 131 km/h) yields approximately 0.0748 hours, which converts to about 269 seconds. This result does not match any of the options.
  • The discrepancy suggests a typographical error in the question. The speed was likely intended to be 131 m/s instead of 131 km/h.
  • To perform the calculation with the corrected units, the distance must be converted from kilometers to meters: 9.8 km = 9800 meters.
  • Using the corrected speed and converted distance, the time is calculated as: Time = 9800 m / 131 m/s ≈ 74.8 seconds.
  • Rounding 74.8 seconds to the nearest whole number gives 75 seconds, which corresponds to the correct option.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: This is an incorrect calculation. To arrive at 90 seconds, the speed would need to be approximately 108.9 m/s (9800 m / 90 s), which is not the value given.
  • Option C: This is an incorrect calculation. To arrive at 105 seconds, the speed would need to be approximately 93.3 m/s (9800 m / 105 s), which is not the value given.
  • Option D: This is an incorrect calculation. To arrive at 120 seconds, the speed would need to be approximately 81.7 m/s (9800 m / 120 s), which is not the value given.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculation of time from speed and distance as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • This question tests fundamental mathematical aptitude and attention to detail, which are crucial skills for nurses in clinical practice.
  • Nurses frequently perform time-sensitive calculations for drug dosages, IV drip rates, and fluid balance, where accuracy is paramount for patient safety.
  • What if? If a nurse were calculating an infusion time and made a similar unit error (e.g., using minutes instead of hours), it could lead to a dangerously fast or slow administration of medication, potentially causing adverse reactions or therapeutic failure.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the knowns (Distance = 9.8 km, Speed = 131 km/h) and the unknown (Time in seconds).
  • Recall the relevant physics formula: Time = Distance / Speed.
  • Before calculating, check for unit consistency. The speed is in km/h, distance in km, and the required answer is in seconds. This means a unit conversion will be necessary.
  • Perform the calculation with the given units: Time = 9.8 km / 131 km/h ≈ 0.0748 hours.
  • Convert the result into the required units: 0.0748 hours × 3600 seconds/hour ≈ 269 seconds.
  • Compare your calculated answer with the given options. If it does not match, critically re-examine the question for potential errors, such as a typo in the units (e.g., km/h vs. m/s).
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Calculation of time from speed and distance
  • Stem keywords: bullet train, speed, 131 km/h, distance, 9.8 km
  • Lead-in keywords: How many seconds

Question ID

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