Final answer:
The normal force on an object at rest on a horizontal surface is equal to the force of gravity on the object. Since the force of gravity is given as 47N, the normal force will also be 47N, which is option a) in the question provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you've asked relates to the concept of normal force in physics. An object at rest on a horizontal surface will experience a normal force that is equal and opposite to its weight, due to gravity. If the force of gravity acting on the object is 47N, then the normal force exerted by the table will also be 47N. This is because the normal force is what balances the weight of the object to keep it stationary, and in this case, there is no acceleration or additional forces acting on the object.
Therefore, the correct answer to your question is a) 47N. This is irrespective of the mass of the object because the normal force adjusts to the weight of the object, which is the product of mass and gravitational acceleration.
The equations representing the normal force for a body at rest on a horizontal surface are N = mg (with N being the normal force, m the mass, and g the acceleration due to gravity), confirming that the normal force is indeed equal to the weight of the object.