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------------------------------------------------ A 42 kg child stands at rest on the surface of a frozen pond. What is the magnitude of the force exerted by the pond on the child?

a) 0 N
b) 420 N
c) 9.8 N
d) 84 N

The force exerted by the pond on the child, also known as the normal force or weight, is calculated by multiplying the child's mass (42 kg) by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), resulting in approximately 420 N.

Explanation:

The magnitude of the force exerted by the pond on the child is equal to the weight of the child. This force is also known as the normal force, and it is due to gravity. We can calculate this by using the formula for weight, which is the mass of the object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (W = mg).

The mass of the child is given as 42 kg and the acceleration due to gravity (g) is approximately 9.8 m/s². Therefore:

W = (42 kg)(9.8 m/s²) = 411.6 N

The correct answer is b) 420 N, though it's been rounded from the exact calculation.