What is normal force?

Here's some information about normal force in Markdown format with links:

The Normal Force is a contact force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it. It acts perpendicular to the surface of contact. It is often denoted by the symbol N or F_N.

Here are some key aspects of the normal force:

• Direction: It always acts perpendicular (normal) to the surface of contact.
• Origin: It arises from the resistance of solid objects to penetration. At a microscopic level, it's due to the electromagnetic forces between atoms and molecules. When an object presses against a surface, the atoms in the surface resist being compressed or pushed closer together, resulting in this repulsive force.
• Magnitude: The magnitude of the normal force is not always equal to the weight of the object. It adjusts to balance other forces acting on the object in the direction perpendicular to the surface. For example, on a horizontal surface with no other vertical forces, the normal force will equal the object's weight. However, on an inclined plane, the normal force is less than the weight. If there is an additional applied force in the vertical direction, the normal force changes accordingly.
• Relationship to Newton's Laws: The normal force is essential for understanding Newton's%20Laws%20of%20Motion. It often plays a role in calculations involving Friction, as the frictional force is often proportional to the normal force.
• Examples:
  • A book resting on a table experiences a normal force from the table that supports its weight.
  • A person standing on the ground experiences a normal force from the ground pushing upwards.
  • An object pressed against a wall experiences a normal force from the wall.