Physics

To determine which situation results in the smallest normal force exerted by the object on the surface, we need to analyze how the applied force affects the normal force () in each scenario.

Normal Force Calculation

The normal force is affected by the vertical component of the applied force. The normal force can be expressed as:

Where:

is the weight of the object (downward force).

is the vertical component of the applied force .

Components of the Force

1. Force applied horizontally:

(there is no vertical component).

2. Force applied upward at an angle of to the horizontal:

Vertical component:

Normal force:

3. Force applied downward at an angle of to the horizontal:

Vertical component:

Click "Show Answer" to reveal the answer and analysis