Answer:
The total normal force acting on the system is approximately 58.8 N
Step-by-step explanation:
The masses arranged in the stack are;
3 kg, 2 kg, and 1 kg
The mass of the stack system, m = 3 kg + 2 kg + 1 kg = 6 kg
Weight = The force of gravity on an object = m·g
Where;
m = The mass of the object
g = The acceleration due to gravity ≈ 9.8 m/s²
∴ The weight of the stack system, W ≈ 6 kg × 9.8 m/s² ≈ 58.8 N
The direction of the weight force = Perpendicular to the surface (acting downwards)
From Newton's third law of motion, the normal force acts perpendicular to the plane and it is equal in magnitude to the force acting perpendicular to the plane
∴ The magnitude of the total normal force acting on the system = The magnitude of the weight of the system ≈ 58.8 N
The (magnitude of the) total normal force acting on the system ≈ 58.8 N