Solution Found!
Helicopters have a small propeller on their tail to keep
Chapter 10, Problem 16(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 16CQ
Helicopters have a small propeller on their tail to keep them from rotating in the opposite direction of their main lifting blades. Explain in terms of Newton’s third law why the helicopter body rotates in the opposite direction to the blades.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 16CQ
Helicopters have a small propeller on their tail to keep them from rotating in the opposite direction of their main lifting blades. Explain in terms of Newton’s third law why the helicopter body rotates in the opposite direction to the blades.
ANSWER:
Step 1 of 2:
The helicopters lift the entire system by the horizontal propellers called main rotors or main rotating blades. The main rotors produce aerodynamic lift force and make the helicopter to fly by overcoming the air drag. When the blades rotate in a direction, a reaction torque is set up and opposes the rotation of the blades. This phenomenon is explained by Newton's third law. The rotation of the blades is the action and the opposite reaction is the rotation of the helicopter body. Finally, the helicopter body tries to spin.