Normal force — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- Contact support force perpendicular to a surface. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
- The support force a surface pushes back with, always directed perpendicular to the surface. (Physics & Environmental Science)
Where it is taught
- Interaction Pairs & Force Diagrams — Forces, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
- Free-Body Diagrams & Net Force — Forces, Rotation & Equilibrium, Physics & Environmental Science, Grade 12
In use
The usual cast of characters is small and worth memorizing: weight (gravity, always straight down), the normal force (a surface pushing perpendicular to itself), tension (a rope or cable pulling along its length), an applied force (a direct push or pull), and friction (always opposing sliding).
Free-Body Diagrams & Net Force
Taught alongside
- interaction
- force diagram
- receiver
- net force
- model
- evidence
- system boundary
- assumption
- free-body diagram
- net force (ΣF)
- equilibrium
- vector