SSC MTS EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -So to directly answer your question, the normal force is never equal to the weight of the object on an inclined plane (unless you count the limiting case of level ground). It is equal to the weight of the object times the cosine of the angle the inclined plane makes with horizontal.

Detailed explanation-2: -When an object is placed on an inclined plane, its weight vector can be resolved into the normal force, which is equal to the force of the object perpendicular to the plane, and a parallel force, which pushes the object down the inclined plane.

Detailed explanation-3: -(This is not the unit for force N.) The word normal means perpendicular to a surface. The normal force can be less than the object’s weight if the object is on an incline, as you will see in the next example.

Detailed explanation-4: -The normal force is always perpendicular to the surface, and since there is no motion perpendicular to the surface, the normal force should equal the component of the skier’s weight perpendicular to the slope. That is, N = w ⊥ = w cos ( 25 ∘ ) = m g cos ( 25 ∘ ) .