If you couple three tracks together with 1 psi, 3 psi, and 5 psi leakage, what is the total leakage of the train?

If you couple three tracks together with 1 psi, 3 psi, and 5 psi leakage, what is the total leakage of the train?

• A. 1 psi
• B. 3 psi
• C. 5 psi
• D. 8 psi

Answer: (C)

When considering the total leakage from a system of tracks coupled together, it's essential to understand how pressure leaks combine. In this scenario, each track has a specified leakage rate: one track has a leakage of 1 psi, another has 3 psi, and the third has 5 psi. For tracks that are coupled together, the total leakage is determined by finding the maximum leakage rate among the tracks, as the system will only lose pressure at the rate of the most significant leak present. Each track does not add its leaks together in a cumulative manner when they couple; rather, the highest leakage value becomes the effective leakage for the combined system. Thus, from the given leakages of 1 psi, 3 psi, and 5 psi, the maximum leakage—which dictates the total leakage of the train—comes from the track with a 5 psi leakage. Therefore, the total leakage of the train is 5 psi.

When considering the total leakage from a system of tracks coupled together, it's essential to understand how pressure leaks combine. In this scenario, each track has a specified leakage rate: one track has a leakage of 1 psi, another has 3 psi, and the third has 5 psi.

For tracks that are coupled together, the total leakage is determined by finding the maximum leakage rate among the tracks, as the system will only lose pressure at the rate of the most significant leak present. Each track does not add its leaks together in a cumulative manner when they couple; rather, the highest leakage value becomes the effective leakage for the combined system.

Thus, from the given leakages of 1 psi, 3 psi, and 5 psi, the maximum leakage—which dictates the total leakage of the train—comes from the track with a 5 psi leakage. Therefore, the total leakage of the train is 5 psi.