W=Fd, Work & Newton's Second Law problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving work and Newton's Second Law, specifically focusing on calculating the force needed to accelerate a helicopter upward and the work done by that force over a distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, questioning the correct application of Newton's Second Law. They discuss the distinction between net force and applied force, and some express confusion regarding the interpretation of acceleration in terms of gravitational force.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering clarifications and corrections to each other's reasoning. Some have provided guidance on how to approach the calculations, while others are still seeking clarity on specific terms and concepts involved in the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a missing answer key for the problem, which may affect participants' confidence in their solutions. Additionally, the use of gravitational acceleration as a coefficient in the problem has led to some confusion regarding its implications for the calculations.

Senjai
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[SOLVED] W=Fd, Work & Newton's Second Law problem

Homework Statement



a) Find the force to give a helicopter of mass M an acceleration of 0.10g upward
b) Find the work done by this force as the helicopter moves a distance of h upward.

Homework Equations



[tex]W=F_{net}d[/tex]
[tex]F=ma[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Personal Note: Q10 p. 145 Challenger.

This question isn't in the answer key, this post is mostly to verify my answer and figure it out if it's wrong.

I first stated F = Ma, then stated a = 0.10 x 9.8 m/s^2 = 0.98 m/2^2

Then for my answer, i had [tex]F=M(0.98_{m/s^2})[/tex]

would that be the proper way to state that answer?

b)
I stated W = Fd
Then stated W = M(0.98m/s^2)h

is this correct?

Thanks,
Senjai
 
Last edited:
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For part a), the net force=0.1g

Remember:

[tex]0.1g=F_{net}=\sum F[/tex]

You should be able to find the correct, applied force on the helicopter.

Part b) is done correctly, except you need to use the correct [itex]F_{applied}[/itex]
 
Oh, this isn't the first time questions worded with g and a coefficient has stumped me.

g = 9.8 m/s^2 right?

oh.. so your saying an acceleration of 0.1g so F = 0.1(9.8)?

I have trouble understanding exactly how it's asking for what... it's asking.
 
Senjai said:
Oh, this isn't the first time questions worded with g and a coefficient has stumped me.

g = 9.8 m/s^2 right?

oh.. so your saying an acceleration of 0.1g so F = 0.1(9.8)?

I have trouble understanding exactly how it's asking for what... it's asking.

You aren't asked about the net force. You are asked what force it would take to raise the helicopter with a constant acceleration of [tex]0.1 g[/tex]

What forces act on the helicopter? There's [tex]F_{applied}[/tex] as GO1 mentioned, but there is another force acting on the helicopter as well.

Find out what force that is, plug everything into Newton's Second Law and isolate for [tex]F_{applied}[/tex] from there on out, you're good to go. :)
 
So: Fapplied = M(0.1g) + mg?
 
Senjai said:
So: Fapplied = M(0.1g) + mg?

Correct!, except the "m" in the second term, should be "M" in the notation of the problem. There is only one mass, M.
 
Thanks for all your help guys!
 

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