A 1 kg apple sits on a table. What is the normal force of the table acting on the apple?
Fn = mg
= 1kg * 9.8N/kg
= 9.8N
What are the units?
N is newtons
To find the normal force acting on the apple, we need to understand the concept of normal force. The normal force is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it.
In this case, the weight of the apple is the force exerted by gravity on the apple, which can be calculated using the equation:
Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity
Since the mass of the apple is given as 1 kg, and the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth, we can calculate the weight of the apple:
Weight = 1 kg × 9.8 m/s² = 9.8 N
Therefore, the weight of the apple is 9.8 Newtons.
Now, since the apple is at rest on the table, the normal force exerted by the table on the apple must be equal to the weight of the apple. So, the normal force is also 9.8 Newtons.
In summary, the normal force of the table acting on the apple is 9.8 Newtons.