alleryStart learning →A tray lies still on a flat table. In which direction does the force that the table exerts on the tray act?
AParallel to the surface
BPerpendicular to the surface
CAlong the line of motion
DOpposite to the applied push
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Perpendicular to the surface
1. The force a surface exerts on an object resting on it is called the normal force.
2. The normal force is always perpendicular, that is at a right angle, to the surface.
3. Forces that act parallel to a surface are frictional forces, not normal forces.
4. On a flat table the normal force happens to point straight up, but on a tilted table it tilts with the surface.
_Source: Siyavula Physical Sciences Grade 11 (Everything Science, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 2: Newton's laws_
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