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F = ma (First 10)
Dynamics
FMA-2026-05 · 2026 F = ma (AAPT)

2026 F = ma Exam — Question 5

A helicopter flies at constant height h along a circular trajectory of radius R with constant angular velocity ω, continuously dropping sand. Ignore air resistance. What is the radius of the curve traced by the sand on the ground?
Source: Question 5, 2026 F = ma Exam, © 2026 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.