An object of weight 30 N (Newtons) rests on a table.
a) What are the forces acting on the object?
b) What are the reactions to these forces?
To determine the forces acting on the object and their reactions, we need to consider the concept of Newton's Third Law, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
a) Forces acting on the object:
- Weight: The weight of the object, which is the force exerted by gravity on the object. In this case, the weight is 30 N directed downwards.
b) Reactions to these forces:
- Normal Force: According to Newton's Third Law, the table exerts an equal and opposite force on the object, known as the normal force. The normal force acts in the upward direction and balances the weight of the object. Therefore, the normal force acting on the object is also 30 N, but directed upwards.
In summary, the forces acting on the object are its weight (30 N) directed downwards, and the reaction to this force is the normal force (30 N) exerted by the table in the upward direction.