An object rests on an inclined surface. If the inclination of the surface is made steeper, what does the normal force on the object do?
A) increase
B) decrease
C) stays the same
D) The normal force is zero N.
E) Cannot be determined without additional information.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the inclination of the surface is made steeper, the component of the gravitational force parallel to the surface increases. This means the object will tend to slide down the surface, which decreases the normal force perpendicular to the surface. Therefore, as the inclination of the surface is made steeper, the normal force on the object decreases.

An Object Rests on an Inclined Surface