Compression or Normal Force

Claimed by Hemanth Koralla

F_N represents the normal force

Compression of Normal Force

The compression or also commonly known as the normal force, [math]\displaystyle{ F_n\ }[/math], is a simple fundamental concept that must be understood before attempting any contact force problem. First, it is important to understand that the normal force is NOT a kind of fundamental force such as the electric or gravitational force. It is just a force used to describe the interaction between atoms. As hinted by the name, this force simply points in the perpendicular or "normal" direction to the surface(s) that it is in contact with. The magnitude of this normal force often just the weight of the object, depending on the angle at which object is resting on the other surfaces.

This normal force can also be used to find the force of friction as well. The approximate force of friction is the static friction coefficient multiplied by this normal force.

Equations

The formula for calculating the normal force is:

[math]\displaystyle{ F_n = mg \cos(\theta) }[/math]

and the formula for calculating the force of friction using this normal force is:

[math]\displaystyle{ F_(friction) = \mu_k F_n }[/math]

Examples

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References

https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/thermo0.html http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/thereq.html