Final answer:
The maximum mass that the winch on a rescue helicopter can lift is approximately 1,224 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to calculate the maximum mass that the winch on a rescue helicopter can lift, we need to use the formula F = ma, where F is the force exerted by the winch (12,000 N) and a is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2).
Using this formula, we can rearrange it to solve for mass (m):
m = F / a = 12,000 N / 9.8 m/s^2 ≈ 1,224 kg
Therefore, the maximum mass that the winch can lift is approximately 1,224 kg.