1. What is Normal Force?

Definition: The normal force is the perpendicular force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it.

Purpose: It counteracts the component of an object's weight that's perpendicular to the surface, preventing objects from falling through surfaces.

2. How Does the Formula Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( N \) — Normal force (Newtons, N)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms, kg)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
• \( \theta \) — Angle of inclination (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates the component of gravitational force that's perpendicular to the surface.

3. Importance of Normal Force

Details: Understanding normal force is crucial for analyzing forces in physics, engineering applications, and solving problems involving inclined planes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kg, gravitational acceleration (default 9.81 m/s²), and angle of inclination (degrees). Angle must be between 0-90°.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: At 0° (flat surface), cos(0°) = 1, so N = m × g (normal force equals weight).

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: At 90° (vertical surface), cos(90°) = 0, so N = 0 (no normal force).

Q3: Why use 9.81 m/s² for gravity?
A: This is Earth's standard gravitational acceleration, but you can adjust for other planets.

Q4: Does normal force always equal weight?
A: Only on horizontal surfaces. On inclines, normal force is less than weight.

Q5: How is normal force related to friction?
A: Frictional force is proportional to normal force (F_friction = μ × N).