To determine the direction of the drag on the helicopter, we need to consider what "drag" typically means in a physics context. Drag is a force that opposes the motion of an object through a fluid (in this case, the air).
Given that the helicopter is accelerating upward and northward, the drag force would act opposite to the helicopter's motion. Therefore:
- Since the helicopter is moving upward, the drag will act downward.
- Since the helicopter is moving northward, the drag will also act to oppose this motion, which means it will act to the south.
Combining these two components, the drag on the helicopter is directed downward and to the south.
Thus, the correct statement is: The drag on the helicopter is directed downward and to the south.