Concept explainers
Why is the support force on an object often called the normal force?
The reason to call support force as normal force.
Answer to Problem 16RQ
The reason to call support force as normal force is because the force acts at right angle to the surface.
Explanation of Solution
The upward force is a force that acts on an object, in order to balance the weight on the surface. The support force is often called a normal force because the force acts at a right angle to the surface of the object. Mathematically “normal” means “right angle to.” So, the normal force is the force that is perpendicular to the surface in contact.
For example, if a cup is kept on the surface of a table, then a normal force will act in an upward direction. This force supports the weights of the cup.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the reason for calling support force as normal force is because the force acts at right angle to the surface.
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