Question

A 1200-kilogram space vehicle travels at 4.8 meters per second along the level surface of Mars. If the magnitude of the gravitational field strength on the surface of Mars is 3.7 newtons per kilogram, the magnitude of the normal force acting on the vehicle is

Answer 1

The normal force acting on the vehicle is 4440 N. Normal force is the force perpendicular to the ground. The important given values are the mass of the space vehicle (1200 kg) and the gravitational field strength (3.7 N/kg). To get a value of Force in Newtons, we just multiply the two numbers together: force = field strength * mass = 3.7 N/kg * 1200 kg = 4440 N.

Answer 2

The correct answer to the question is : 4,400 N.

EXPLANATION:

The mass of the space vehicle m = 1200 Kg.

The speed of the space vehicle v = 4.8 m/s.

The gravitational field strength E = 3.7 N/Kg.

We are asked to calculate the normal force on the space vehicle.

The gravitational force that acts on the space vehicle is calculated as -

                                Force F = E × m

                                              = 3.7 N/ Kg × 1200 Kg.

                                               = 4.440 N.

The normal reaction on the space craft is equal to the force of gravity on Mars.

Hence, the normal reaction on the space vehicle is 4,440 N.