Newton's law of motion?

Question

consider 2 identical blocks, one resting on a flat surface, and the other resting on an incline. for which case is the normal force greater?

Answer 1

The block resting on a flat surface has the greater normal/loading force.

Answer 2

The normal force is greater at the flat surface because of the equation:

N = mg cos θ

The normal force points in the exact opposite direction (180°) to gravity on the flat surface whereas the normal force points at an angle on the slope.

Here's an example:

m = 100 kg

g = 9.8 m/s²

θ = 45°

N (flat surface) = 100 kg x 9.8 m/s² x cos(180°) = 980 N

N (incline) = 100 kg x 9.8 m/s² x cos (45°) = 690 N