Acceleration of the helicopter as it starts to rise

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a helicopter as it begins to rise, given that it propels 2400 kg of air downwards at a speed of 11 m/s. The net force acting on the helicopter is determined to be 26,400 N, leading to the equation 26,400 - 2500(9.81) = (2500)a. The correct acceleration is calculated to be 9.58 m/s², despite an initial miscalculation that suggested 0.75 m/s². The confusion arose from a potential error in mass values used in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of momentum and its change over time
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts related to forces and motion
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and calculations involving mass and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of momentum and impulse in physics
  • Study the application of Newton's laws in real-world scenarios, particularly in aviation
  • Explore the dynamics of helicopter flight and rotor mechanics
  • Learn about common pitfalls in physics problem-solving, especially in force calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of force and acceleration calculations in aviation contexts.

anlenemilk
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


At take off, the rotor blades of a helicopter propel 2400 kg of air vertically downwards each second. The air, intially at rest, is given a speed of 11ms^-1
QN: the mass of the helicopter is 2500 kg. Find the acceleration of the helicopter as it starts to rise



Homework Equations



<F>=Change in momentum /change in time
Fnet=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



<F>=Change in momentum /change in time
= (2400*11-0)/1= 26400N
26400-2500(9.81)=(2500)a
a=0.75ms^-2

The answer is 9.58ms^-2
I have no idea how to get this answer! HELP ME! THANK YOU VERY MUCH
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'd say that your answer is correct and the given answer is wrong.

What textbook is this problem from?
 
anlenemilk said:
26400-2500(9.81)=(2500)a
Note that you'll get the given answer if you changed one of the masses to 250 (which is clearly wrong):
26400-250(9.81)=(2500)a​
That could be how the wrong answer was attained.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
13K