1. What is Normal Force?

The normal force is the perpendicular force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it. It prevents objects from "falling through" surfaces and is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the component of the object's weight that is perpendicular to the surface.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the normal force equation:

Where:

• \( N \) — Normal force (N)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( \theta \) — Angle of the surface from horizontal (degrees)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the angle of the surface, which affects how much of the object's weight is perpendicular to the surface.

3. Importance of Normal Force Calculation

Details: Understanding normal force is crucial for analyzing forces in physics, engineering applications, and determining friction (since frictional force depends on normal force).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and angle in degrees (0° for horizontal surfaces). All values must be valid (mass > 0, angle between 0-90°).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens when θ = 0°?
A: On a horizontal surface (θ = 0°), cos(0°) = 1, so the normal force equals the object's weight (N = m × g).

Q2: What happens when θ = 90°?
A: On a vertical surface (θ = 90°), cos(90°) = 0, so the normal force would be zero (the object would fall unless other forces act on it).

Q3: Does normal force always equal weight?
A: Only on horizontal surfaces. On inclined planes, normal force is less than the object's weight.

Q4: How does normal force relate to friction?
A: The maximum static friction force is proportional to the normal force (F_friction = μ × N, where μ is the coefficient of friction).

Q5: What if the surface is accelerating?
A: This calculator assumes the surface is at rest or moving at constant velocity. For accelerating surfaces, additional calculations are needed.