To solve this problem, we need to calculate the normal force acting on the sled. The normal force is the force exerted by the ground on the sled perpendicular to the surface. It balances the vertical component of the sled's weight, as there is no vertical acceleration.

Step 1: Identify the forces acting on the sled

• The weight of the sled, $W$, acts vertically downward and is given by:

$W = m \cdot g$

where $m = 2.20 \, \text{kg}$ is the mass of the sled and $g = 9.80 \, \text{m/s}^2$ is the acceleration due to gravity.

$W = 2.20 \, \text{kg} \cdot 9.80 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 21.56 \, \text{N}$

• The pulling force is horizontal, so it does not affect the vertical forces. This means the only vertical force acting on the sled is its weight, and the normal force must balance this exactly to maintain no vertical motion.

Step 2: Calculate the normal force

Since the sled is being pulled horizontally and there are no vertical components of the pulling force (the rope is horizontal), the normal force, $N$, must balance the weight of the sled.

Thus, the normal force is:

$N = W = 21.56 \, \text{N}$

Rounding this value to match the significant figures of the problem:

$N \approx 21.6 \, \text{N}$

Final Answer:

The correct choice is Α. 21.6 N.

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Would you like further details or have any questions about this problem?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on the concept:

1. How would the normal force change if the rope were pulling the sled at an angle?
2. What is the relationship between the normal force and friction in this scenario?
3. How does the normal force affect the sled's acceleration if the pulling force increases?
4. What would happen to the normal force if the mass of the sled doubled?
5. How can the spring scale tension be used to calculate work done by the pulling force?

Tip: The normal force can change significantly if the angle of the pulling force is altered or if there is any vertical component in the pulling direction.