A rocket takes off from Earth's surface, accelerating straight up at 31.2 m/s2. Calculate the normal force (in N) acting on an astronaut of mass 85.9 kg, including his space suit. (Assume the rocket's initial motion parallel to the y-direction. Indicate the direction with the sign of your answer.)

The value of the normal force is 2680.08N in the negative y direction

Explanation:

According to Newton's second law of motion, Force = mass × acceleration

Note that rocket takes off from Earth's surface, accelerating straight up at 31.2 m/s2,

Since the rocket accelerates upwards, the acceleration will be negative, since rockets acts contrary to the law of gravity(it keeps going into space without coming down)

acceleration of the rocket = -31.2m/s²

Mass of the astronaut = 85.9kg

Normal force acting on the astronaut = -31.2 × 85.9kg

= -2680.08N

The value of the normal force is 2680.08N in the negative y direction