Final answer:
The toy helicopter must produce an upward force equal to its weight to hover, which is calculated as the product of its mass (0.12 kg) and the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s^2), resulting in an upward force of approximately 1.1772 Newtons.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how much upward force the toy helicopter must produce to cancel out gravity, we apply the concept of equilibrium. In this state, the forces acting on the object are balanced, which means the sum of all forces equals zero. The force of gravity acting downward on the helicopter is the product of the mass of the helicopter and the acceleration due to gravity. This force is commonly termed as the weight of the helicopter.
Using the formula:
F = m × g
Where:
- F is the force due to gravity (weight)
- m is the mass of the helicopter (0.12 kg)
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s2)
The required upward force to counteract gravity and achieve hovering is:
F = 0.12 kg × 9.81 m/s2 = 1.1772 N
Therefore, the helicopter needs to exert an upward force of approximately 1.1772 Newtons to hover in midair.