1. What is Normal Force in Physics?

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

Purpose: It counteracts the force of gravity and prevents objects from passing through surfaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( N \) — Normal force (Newtons)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth)
• \( \theta \) — Angle of inclination (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates the perpendicular component of the gravitational force acting on an object on an inclined plane.

3. Importance of Normal Force Calculation

Details: Understanding normal force is crucial for analyzing forces in static equilibrium, friction calculations, and structural engineering.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kg, gravitational acceleration (default 9.81 m/s²), and angle of inclination (0° for horizontal surfaces). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: When the surface is horizontal, cos(0°) = 1, so N = m × g (the full weight of the object).

Q2: What's the normal force on a vertical surface (θ = 90°)?
A: cos(90°) = 0, so N = 0 (the surface doesn't support the object's weight).

Q3: Does normal force always equal weight?
A: Only on horizontal surfaces. On inclines, normal force is less than weight.

Q4: How does normal force relate to friction?
A: Frictional force is proportional to normal force (Ffriction = μ × N).

Q5: What if there are other forces acting on the object?
A: The calculator shows only the gravitational component. Other forces would require vector addition.