Final answer:
The phenomenon that correctly describes the direction and magnitude of normal forces is gravitational attraction. Normal forces act in the opposite direction to gravity, supporting the object and preventing it from sinking to the surface. The correct answer is option C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon that correctly describes the direction and magnitude of normal forces is gravitational attraction.
Normal forces are the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. In most cases, the weight of an object is due to the force of gravity pulling it downwards. Therefore, the normal force acts in the opposite direction to gravity, supporting the object and preventing it from sinking to the surface.
For example, when you place a book on a table, the normal force exerted by the table on the book is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force of gravity pulling the book downwards.