Question

A 0.5 kg book rests on a table. A downward force of 9 N is exerted on top of the book by a hand pushing down on the book. (a) What is the magnitude of the gravitational force acting upon the book? (b) What is the magnitude of the upward (normal) force exerted by the table on the book? (Is the book accelerated?)

Answer 1

The magnitude of the gravitational force acting upon the book is 4.9 N. The magnitude of the upward (normal) force exerted by the table on the book is also 4.9 N. The book is not accelerated.

Step-by-step explanation:

(a) The magnitude of the gravitational force acting upon the book can be calculated using the formula w = mg, where m is the mass of the book and g is the acceleration due to gravity. For the given situation, the mass of the book is 0.5 kg and the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s². Therefore, the magnitude of the gravitational force acting upon the book is:

w = mg = (0.5 kg)(9.8 m/s²) = 4.9 N

(b) The magnitude of the upward (normal) force exerted by the table on the book is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the gravitational force. Therefore, the magnitude of the upward (normal) force exerted by the table on the book is also 4.9 N.

The book is not accelerated because the upward (normal) force exerted by the table cancels out the downward force exerted by the hand, resulting in a net force of zero on the book.

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