Question

A block with mass m = 6 kg is sitting on a horizontal surface and not moving. The free-fall acceleration is g = 9.81 m/s2. Please answer the following questions.

a. Write an expression for the magnitude of the force of gravity Fg on the block.

b. Calculate the magnitude of the force of gravity Fg on the block in Newtons.

c. In what direction is the force of gravity in this problem?

d. What is the magnitude of the normal force FN in Newtons?

e. In what direction does the normal force act?

Answer 1

The force of gravity on a 6 kg block is 58.86 N, acting downwards, while the normal force is 58.86 N, acting upwards, since the block is stationary on a horizontal surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

Forces Acting on a Stationary Block

a. The expression for the magnitude of the force of gravity Fg on the block is given by Newton's second law of motion: Fg = m × g where m is the mass of the object and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

b. To calculate Fg, simply multiply the mass m by the acceleration due to gravity g: Fg = 6 kg × 9.81 m/s² which equals 58.86 N.

c. In this problem, the direction of the force of gravity is vertically downwards, towards the center of the Earth.

d. The magnitude of the normal force FN on the block is equal to the force of gravity acting on the block when it is stationary on a horizontal surface, therefore FN = 58.86 N.

e. The normal force acts in a direction perpendicular to the surface, which in this case is vertically upwards.

Answer 2

a. expression for force of gravity is mg

b. Value of force of gravity is 58.86 N

c. Direction of force of gravity is downwards

d. Value of normal force is -58.86 N

e. direction of normal force is upwards.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that mass of the block
`m=6 kg`

acceleration due to gravity
`g=9.81 m/s^2`

a. Expression for force of gravity is
`F_g=m* g`

b.
`F_g=mg=6 * 9.81=58.86 N`

force of gravity is
`58.86 N`

c. Force of gravity always acts in the downward direction.

d. Normal force
`F_N` acts in the direction opposite to the weight of the block and their magnitudes are same. since the object is at rest the upward and downward forces on the block are balanced.

`F_N=-F_g=-58.86 N`

e. Normal force
`F_N`acts in the upwards.