Understanding Normal Forces

What is the primary role of a normal force when an object is placed on a solid surface?

• To pull the object downward

• To push the object sideways

• To prevent the object from passing through the surface

• To accelerate the object upward

When a book is placed on a ramp, why is the normal force not directed upwards?

• Because the book is too heavy

• Because gravity is stronger on ramps

• Because the normal force is always perpendicular to the surface

• Because the ramp is slippery

Why do we choose axes parallel and perpendicular to the ramp when analyzing forces?

• To make calculations easier

• To align with the gravitational force

• To separate motion into components parallel and perpendicular to the ramp

• To avoid using complex mathematics

What happens to the normal force if a surface is vertical?

• It becomes zero

• It acts parallel to the surface

• It still acts perpendicular to the surface

• It acts in the direction of gravity

What additional force prevents the book from sliding down the ramp?

• Tension

• Air resistance

• Friction

• Magnetic force

If a ramp were frictionless, what would happen to the book?

• It would move upwards

• It would stay in place

• It would float

• It would slide down the ramp

What is the relationship between normal force and gravity on an inclined plane?

• Normal force is always equal to gravity

• Normal force is opposite to the component of gravity perpendicular to the surface

• Normal force is greater than gravity

• Normal force is less than gravity

Why is there no normal force when a book falls along a wall?

• Because the wall is too smooth

• Because gravity acts parallel to the wall

• Because the wall is not solid

• Because the book is too light

What force acts on the book as it falls along the wall?

• Only gravity

• Friction and tension

• Gravity and normal force

• Normal force and friction

In the absence of a force pushing into a surface, what happens to the normal force?

• It acts parallel to the surface

• It becomes zero

• It decreases

• It increases