Question

If gravity pulls you down toward the center of Earth with a force of 500 N, how much upward force does the ground exert on you?

a. 0 N
b. 50 N
c. 500 N
d. none of the above

Answer 1

The ground exerts an upward force on you equal to the force of gravity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ground exerts an upward force on you equal in magnitude to the force of gravity pulling you downward. According to Newton's third law of motion, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When you stand on the ground, your weight is balanced by the normal force exerted by the ground. Therefore, the upward force exerted by the ground is 500 N, which is equal to the force of gravity.