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What is the name of the opposite and equal contact force between a surface and an object standing on it?

  1. A
    gravity force
  2. B
    friction force
  3. C
    centripetal force
  4. D
    normal force

Topic Flashcards

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Question

According to Newton's Third Law, if a book exerts a downward force on a table, what is the table's equal and opposite force on the book called?

Answer

The normal force.

Question

What two characteristics define the direction of the normal force exerted by a surface?

Answer

It is perpendicular to the surface and away from the surface.

Question

On a flat, horizontal surface, an object at rest has a normal force that is equal in magnitude to which other force? Why?

Answer

Its weight (the force of gravity). They are equal because the net vertical force on the stationary object is zero (Newton's First Law).

Question

How does the normal force on an object change if you push down on it while it rests on a horizontal table?

Answer

The normal force increases. It must now balance both the object's weight and your additional downward push.

Question

On an inclined plane (ramp), is the normal force acting on an object equal to the object's full weight? Why or why not?

Answer

No. On an incline, the normal force is only a component of the weight; it is equal to mg cos(θ), which is less than the full weight mg for any angle greater than 0°.

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Is the normal force always directed vertically upward?
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