Finding the Normal Force of a block on an incline experiencing centripetal force

[trivk96]

Homework Statement

When the sliding along a horizontal circular path on the inside of a friction-free cone, the magnitude of the normal force (use the diagram)

1. is greater than mg, always.
2. is equal to mg.
3. may be greater than mg.
4. is less than mg, always.
5. may be less than mg.

Homework Equations

??

The Attempt at a Solution

I think it is 3 because with centripetal force, more force is being applied to the cone resulting in more force pushing back which means a greater normal force which may be more than mg. Is this correct??

 

[Doc Al]

Hint: Analyze forces in the vertical direction and apply Newton's 2nd law.