Question

Select the correct answer.
A brick is lying on a table in a state of static equilibrium. If the mass of the brick is 7.52 kilograms, what is the normal force exerted by the table on the brick?
A.
-73.7 newtons
B.
73.7 newtons
C.
80.7 newtons
D.
7.52 newtons
E.
8.07 newtons

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To find the normal force exerted by the table on the brick, we can use the formula for weight, which is given by:

\[ \text{Weight} = \text{mass} \times g \]

where \( g \) (the acceleration due to gravity) is approximately \( 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 \).

Given the mass of the brick is \( 7.52 \, \text{kg} \):

\[ \text{Weight} = 7.52 \, \text{kg} \times 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 73.7 \, \text{N} \]

In a state of static equilibrium, the normal force (N) exerted by the table on the brick is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the weight of the brick. Thus:

\[ N = 73.7 \, \text{N} \]

The correct answer is:

**B. 73.7 newtons**.