Normal Force
Definition
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.
Analogy
Imagine you are standing on a solid floor. The normal force is like the floor pushing back against your feet, preventing you from sinking into the ground.
Related terms
Weight: The weight of an object is the force exerted on it due to gravity.
Frictional Force: Frictional force is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.
Tension Force: Tension force is the pulling force transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it's pulled tight.
"Normal Force" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (3)
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (7)
- What is the magnitude of the normal force acting on the 10kg box?
- A box is sitting on the floor of an elevator. The elevator is accelerating upwards. Which of the following is true about the magnitude of the normal force?
- A box is sitting on the floor of an elevator. The elevator is accelerating downwards. Which of the following is true about the magnitude of the normal force?
- A ferris wheel is rotating in a vertical circle. At the lowest point of the circle, the normal force exerted by the seat on the rider is _________ the gravitational force.
- When an elevator accelerates downwards, what happens to the Normal Force acting on a person inside it?
- If the elevator cable snaps and the elevator-person system falls freely, what happens to the Normal Force acting on the person?
- When the elevator accelerates upwards, what is the relationship between the Normal Force and the true weight of a person inside it?
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