Final answer:
The force the Earth would exert on a 10-kilogram object is approximately 100 N, calculated using the weight formula w = mg, with g being the acceleration due to gravity on Earth (9.80 m/s²).
Step-by-step explanation:
The approximate force the Earth would exert on a 10-kilogram object can be calculated using the formula for weight (w = mg), where 'm' is the mass and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.80 m/s². Therefore, for a 10-kilogram object, the weight would be w = (10 kg)(9.80 m/s²) = 98 N. This value is closest to, but not exactly, 100 N, so the most accurate answer to the student's question is:
b) 100 N