Final answer:
The normal force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the block by the gravitational acceleration. In this case, the normal force is 49.06 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal force is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. In this case, the block is being pulled to the right at an angle of 53 degrees above the horizontal. The normal force acts perpendicular to the surface of the block, so it is equal to the weight of the block in the vertical direction. The weight of the block can be calculated using the formula:
Weight = mass x gravitational acceleration
Given that the mass of the block is 5 kg and the gravitational acceleration is 9.8 m/s^2, the weight of the block is:
Weight = 5 kg x 9.8 m/s^2 = 49 N
Therefore, the normal force on the block is 49.06 N (option a).