What is the direction of the support force on an object resting on a surface?

Prepare for the Year 10 Force and Motion Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with clear hints and explanations to ensure success. Equip yourself for excellence on your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the direction of the support force on an object resting on a surface?

Explanation:
The normal (support) force is a contact force that acts perpendicular to the surface, pushing the object away from the surface. On a flat horizontal surface, this direction is straight upward, opposing the weight pulling the object downward. This upward push is why the object can rest without sinking. Left or right would be tangential directions related to other horizontal forces, and downward would imply the surface pushing into the object, which doesn’t occur.

The normal (support) force is a contact force that acts perpendicular to the surface, pushing the object away from the surface. On a flat horizontal surface, this direction is straight upward, opposing the weight pulling the object downward. This upward push is why the object can rest without sinking. Left or right would be tangential directions related to other horizontal forces, and downward would imply the surface pushing into the object, which doesn’t occur.

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