A helicopter above the ground is descending at 3.5 m/s. It drops a package from rest(relative to the helicopter). Just before it hits the ground the package is falling at a rate of 13.4 m/s relative to the ground. Find the velocity of the package relative to the helicopter.

Question

A helicopter above the ground is descending at 3.5 m/s. It drops a package from rest(relative to the helicopter). Just before it hits the ground the package is falling at a rate of 13.4 m/s relative to the ground. Find the velocity of the package relative to the helicopter.
9.9 m/s, up
9.9 m/s, down
16.9 m/s, down
16.9 m/s, up
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT TO DO AND THE CORRECT ANSWER? Thanks!

Damon · Accepted Answer

It is falling 13.4 faster than the helicopter is falling v + 3.5 down = 13.4 down so v = 9.9 down