Normal Force Formula:
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Definition: The normal force is the perpendicular force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it, when the surface is at an angle.
Purpose: This calculator helps determine the normal force acting on an object on an inclined plane, which is essential for understanding friction and motion.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The normal force decreases as the angle increases because only a component of the gravitational force acts perpendicular to the surface.
Details: Understanding normal force is crucial for calculating static and kinetic friction, determining whether an object will slide, and analyzing forces in mechanical systems.
Tips: Enter the object's mass, gravitational acceleration (default 9.81 m/s²), and the angle of inclination (0-90 degrees). All values must be positive.
Q1: What happens at 0 degrees?
A: At 0 degrees (flat surface), the normal force equals the object's weight (m × g).
Q2: What happens at 90 degrees?
A: At 90 degrees (vertical surface), the normal force becomes zero as there's no surface to support the object.
Q3: Does this include friction?
A: No, this calculates only the normal force. Friction would be μ × N where μ is the coefficient of friction.
Q4: What units should I use?
A: Use kilograms for mass, m/s² for gravity, and degrees for the angle. The result is in Newtons.
Q5: Can I use this for objects in motion?
A: Yes, the normal force calculation is the same for static and moving objects on an incline.