Question

A train 'A' runs from east to west and another train 'B' of the same mass runs from west to east at the same speed along the equator. 'A' presses the track with a force F1 and 'B' presses the track with a force F2 .
(a) F1 > F2
(b) F1 < F2
(c) F1 = F2
(d) The information is insufficient to find the relation between F1 and F2 .

Answer 1

Since both have same mass, the downward gravitational force will be same on both. let's say it Mg.
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Now consider the outward(or upward) centrifugal force(as earth is curved):

Earth moves from west to east around its own axis.

Since the speeds of the trains are equal with respect to earth, the actual speed of train A(moving from east to west) will actually be smaller than the actual speed of train B(moving from west to east)

So the centrifugal force on train B is higher than train A.

let's say centrifugal force on train A is x and train B is X where X > x.
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Thus

F1 = Mg - x

F2 = Mg - X

So F1 > F2

Answer is A.

Answer 2

Answer:here earth is considered as a non inertial gram of reference. Due to rotation of earth there is a significant effect on acceleration due to gravity which results in change in normal reaction on the body. Since the trains are moving in different directions and earth rotates from west to east so their relative angular velocities will be different and hence the normals will be different.

For working see the attached picture.

Explanation: