Normal Force: Simple Definition + Examples in our Daily Life

Normal Force

As per the name, you can guess the meaning of this force.

A normal force is a force which is acting in the perpendicular direction.

In physics, the definition of normal force can be stated as:

“A force which is normal (perpendicular) to the surface of an object is known as a Normal Force

To understand the above statement properly,

Let’s take some Real Life examples. (So you’ll get an exact idea)

Normal Force Examples in our Daily Life

Here’s a list of Daily Life examples of normal force:

  • Girl standing on a flat surface
  • Book placed on a table
  • Banana crate placed on a floor
  • Television resting on a table
  • Flower pot placed on a table
  • And more…

Let’s understand each one of these examples with pictures.

#1 Girl standing on a flat surface

Normal force example - Girl standing on a flat surface

When a girl is standing on a flat surface, one perpendicular force acts on a girl.

As this force acts perpendicular to a girl, it is known as a Normal Force.

#2 Book placed on a table

Normal force meaning - Book placed on a table

When a book is placed on a table, one perpendicular force acts on a book.

As this force acts perpendicular to the surface of a book, it is known as a Normal Force.

#3 Banana crate placed on a floor

Normal force in physics - Banana crate placed on a floor

When a banana crate is placed on a floor, one perpendicular force acts on a banana crate.

As this force acts perpendicular to the surface of a banana crate, it is known as a Normal Force.

#4 Television resting on a table

Normal force examples in our daily life - Television resting on a table

When a television is resting on a table, one perpendicular force acts on a television.

As this force acts perpendicular to the surface of a television, it is known as a Normal Force.

#5 Flower pot placed on a table

Example of normal force - Flower pot placed on a table

When a flower pot is placed on a table, one perpendicular force acts on a flower pot.

As this force acts perpendicular to the surface of a flower pot, it is known as a Normal Force.

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There are so many other examples of normal force that we are experiencing in our daily life.

Summary

From the above examples, one thing is understood.

If a force is acting in the perpendicular direction, then a force is said to be a normal force.

That’s how you can easily remember the definition of normal force:

“A force which is normal (perpendicular) to the surface of an object is known as a Normal Force

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What do you think, is it easy for you to understand this concept of normal force?

(Let me know in the comments below)

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