A 3 kg block is resting on a ramp inclined at 20 degrees above the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the normal force acting on the block?

Question

A 3 kg block is resting on a ramp inclined at 20 degrees above the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the normal force acting on the block? Report your answer to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

To find the normal force of an object on an incline you must use the equation:

F_n = m * a * cos(x)

where F_n = normal force, m = mass of the object, a = acceleration of gravity (constant) & x = angle of incline

F_n = 3kg * 9.8m/s² * cos(20)

F_n = 29.4N * cos(20)

F_n = 29.4N * 0.9397

F_n = 27.6N --> 28N