Is the first question worked right and any hints on the second please

[electricsound]

1. The rotating blade of a hovering helicopter sweeps out an area of radius 4m imparting a downward velocity of 12ms^-1 to the air displaced. Find the mass of the helicopter.
(g=10ms^-2, density of air= 1.3 kgm^-3)

The Attempt at a Solution

F=d/dt(mv)
F= (density of air*volume)*12
= 1.3*pie*16*12*12
=9409N
mass of helicopter= 940kg (the answers matched, but is it worked correct?)

2. The speed of rotation of the blades of the helicopter in question 1 is increased so that the air now hasa downward velocity of 13ms^-1. Find the upward acceleration of the helicopter.
attempt at the solution
F=mv
11043N=1.3(pie*16*13*13
F=ma
11043N=940*a

11043/940=a

Actual answer= 1.7ms^-2

 

[phyzguy]

The first part looks right, but in the second part remember that the 12 m/s air velocity just held the helicopter stationary. So to calculate the acceleration, you need to calculate the difference between the force that held the helicopter stationary (12 m/s air) and the increased air velocity (13 m/s air.). You calculated the entire force from the 13 m/s air and forgot to subtract off that part of the force which is compensating gravity.