Answer to Question #178434 in Mechanics | Relativity for Lefa Nyathi

Question

Define the concept normal force

Answer 1

In mechanics, the normal force is the component of a contact force that is perpendicular to the surface that an object contacts. In this instance normal is used in the geometric sense and means perpendicular, as opposed to the common language use of normal meaning "ordinary" or "expected". A person standing still on a platform is acted upon by gravity, which would pull them down towards the Earth's core unless there were a countervailing force from the resistance of the platform's molecules, a force which is named the "normal force".