Power required the support a helicopter

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the power required to support a rescue helicopter with a mass of 810 kg, which imparts a downward velocity to the air. The first part of the problem is solved with a velocity of 11.5 m/s, but the second part regarding power remains unclear. The power formula presented involves a term with velocity raised to the third power, leading to confusion about its derivation. Participants emphasize the importance of using established physics principles, like the impulse-momentum equation, rather than guessing. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in problem-solving methods and understanding the physics behind the calculations.
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A rescue helicopter of mass 810 kg, supports itself in a stationary position by imparting
a downward velocity, v, to the air in a circle of radius 4.0 m. The density of the air is
1.20 kg m-3.

Calculate:
(i) the value of v
(ii) the power, P, required to support the helicopter


So, I do have the solution to part one, which is 11.5 ms-1. However, the solution for ii eludes me. The answer sheet does something weird:

Power = 0.5(pi*4^2)(1.2)v^3. From the first term I'm guessing they're using E=.5mv^2, but why is the velocity raised to the third?
 
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"I'm guessing" is not the way to solve problems in physics.

This problem can be solved by using the impulse-momentum equation.
 
voko said:
"I'm guessing" is not the way to solve problems in physics.

This problem can be solved by using the impulse-momentum equation.

That's why I asked it, you arrogant person.
 
I do not think I was or am being arrogant. I pointed out that guessing how the problem is solved from the answer, as you tried to, is almost never productive.

On the other hand, you did not demonstrate any other attempt at solving the problem, as is required in this forum.
 
voko said:
I do not think I was or am being arrogant. I pointed out that guessing how the problem is solved from the answer, as you tried to, is almost never productive.

On the other hand, you did not demonstrate any other attempt at solving the problem, as is required in this forum.

My attempt was just using kinetic energy, and my question was why the answer sheet has taken velocity to the third power, which hasn't been answered yet.
 
What is the total mass of the air propelled by the helicopter in one second? What is the kinetic energy of that mass?
 
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