Normal Force Formula: Concept, Derivation, Sample Questions

The normal force, is also known as the normal reaction force or a contact force, t. On two surfaces that are not connected to one another, a normal force cannot be applied. Consider a table and a container that cannot exert normal force on one another while they are not in contact. When two objects collide, they exert normal force on each other, which is vertical to the contacting surface. The term "normal" here refers to a perpendicular. The normal force during deceleration is equal to the body's weight. When a body is about to fall, its location on the ground determines when it is about to fall.

Key Takeaways: Normal force, Normal force formula, Force, Gravitational force, Mass, Angle

---

Concept of Normal Force

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

The component of force that is vertical to any contact surface is known as the normal force. It also controls how much force is exerted on the ground by the body. Only if the item is not accelerating, i.e. decelerating, is the normal force equal to its weight. The position in which an object falls on the ground impacts the outcome when it is about to fall. It is denoted by the symbol Fn and is measured in newtons (N).

Also Read:  Centripetal force formula

---

Normal Force Formula

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

The normal force Fn on an object at rest on a flat surface equals

Fn= mg

Where,

g = Gravitational Force

m = mass

When a force acting on a falling object causes it to fall at an angle of θ, the Fn is more than the calculated weight.

Fn= mg + Fsinθ

Where,

Fn= normal force

g = Gravitational Force

m = mass

θ = angle of object falling

When a force pulls an object upward, Fnis less than its weight.

Fn = mg – Fsinθ

Where,

Fn= normal force

g = Gravitational Force

m = mass

θ = angle with which body upward

When an object is put on an inclined plane, normal force (Fn) is applied:

Fn= mg cos θ

Where,

Fn= normal force

g = Gravitational Force

m = mass

θ = angle of the inclined surface

Also Read: Force and Laws of motion formula

---

Things to Remember

• The normal force is the force exerted by any surface on any other object.
• The net force acting on the object is equal to zero when it is at rest.
• It is a proven fact that the descending force, or weight, must equal the upward force, or normal force.
• When an object is about to fall, the position in which it falls on the ground is important.

Also Read: Newton’s second law of motion

---