Normal Force

The normal force is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. It acts perpendicular to the surface and prevents the object from falling through the surface.

Understanding Normal Force

When an object is placed on a surface, the surface exerts an upward force to counteract the downward force of the object's weight. This upward force is the normal force. It is called "normal" because it is perpendicular, or normal, to the surface.

Calculating Normal Force

The normal force can be calculated using the formula:

F_N = mg

Where:

• F_N is the normal force
• m is the mass of the object
• g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on the surface of the Earth)

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about the normal force:

1. The normal force acts perpendicular to the surface.
2. It prevents objects from passing through a surface.
3. The normal force is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force of gravity acting on the object.
4. When an object is on a flat surface, the normal force is equal to the weight of the object.
5. If the surface is inclined, the normal force is less than the weight of the object and can be calculated using trigonometric functions.

Understanding the concept of normal force is essential in understanding the mechanics of objects resting on surfaces and in solving problems involving forces and equilibrium.

Remember to practice applying the formula for calculating the normal force and to understand how it varies in different situations, such as on inclined planes or in elevators.

Now that you have a good understanding of the normal force, you can apply this knowledge to solve problems involving objects at rest or in uniform motion on various surfaces.

Good luck with your studies!

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