help with newtons in physical science

Question

 

 a computer weighing 45 newtons rests on a computer stand.  what is the magnitude of the support force exerted by the computer stand on the computer?

 

a.  45 newtons

b.  0 newtons

c. 405 newtons

d.  there is not enough information to answer this question

 

 

thanks

Answer 1

The answer is A: 45 newtons.

 

Because the computer is just sitting there on the stand and not moving at all, the force of gravity must be balanced exactly by the force from the computer stand on the computer (aka the normal force), so that the net force is 0 newtons.

Answer 2

Newton's Third Law supports this phenomena.  This is because forces come in pairs.  The force exerted on the stand by the computer is that same as the force exerted on computer by the stand.