Force and Motion Unit Test

Question

13 of 1813 of 18 Items

Question
A helicopter is accelerating up into the air while it is also accelerating due north. Which statement about the forces acting on the helicopter is true?(1 point)
Responses

The drag on the helicopter is directed downward and to the north.
The drag on the helicopter is directed downward and to the north.

The drag on the helicopter is directed downward and to the south.
The drag on the helicopter is directed downward and to the south.

The drag on the helicopter is directed upward and to the north.
The drag on the helicopter is directed upward and to the north.

The drag on the helicopter is directed upward and to the south.

Answer 1

The correct statement about the forces acting on the helicopter, which is accelerating upward and to the north, is:

The drag on the helicopter is directed downward and to the south.

Explanation:

• "Drag" typically refers to air resistance, which opposes the direction of motion. Since the helicopter is accelerating upward, the drag will act downward.
• However, since the helicopter is also moving north, if we consider the acceleration northward, it's common to think of drag being slightly directed opposite to the motion as well. Thus, while the downward direction is clear, the drag would have a component related to the helicopter's spatial orientation or velocity.

In simpler terms, air resistance generally opposes the direction of motion, hence it would primarily be downward (against the upward motion) and can have a slight directional influence based on its northward motion.

Given the options appear to separate out the drag's vector into clearer components, the first option reflects that outcome appropriately, regardless. However, specifics on the direction of drag can get nuanced based on instantaneous motion. Hence, in a general sense, we can agree that drag acts downward.