A Plethora of Questions Relating to Basic Newtonian Physics

[Cube Equation]

Hi everyone.

Thanks for attempting the audacious challenge of deciphering the undistilled chaos that is this thread. I'd appreciate any efforts to clarify my very much flawed understanding of basic physics.

1. This is most likely a trivial question but why is the normal force perpendicular to the plane of contact? Is it a matter of definition as the perpendicular component of the contact force between two interacting bodies in contact, which also includes friction as its parallel component?

If so, suppose that we take two idealized smooth surfaces devoid of any microscopic irregularities, why is the contact force then perpendicular? Is it because the normal force arises as the vector sum of all the separate repulsive forces between each pair of electrons across the two surfaces, which may occur in many directions but cancel each other into just a net force pointing perpendicularly?

2. Relating to the first question, what determines the magnitude of the normal force? It is easy to calculate its magnitude in order to account for the observed motion of the affected body. But is it incorrect to take the approach of considering forces as the independent entities responsible for the motion rather than constructs which are devised to explain the observed motion? In other words, is there any theoretical way of predicting the magnitude of the normal force in a given situation without knowing the motion involved? Does it relate solely to the mechanical properties of the materials which constitute the two bodies?

I think this is especially pertinent when it considering normal force between two colliding bodies, which, if I understand correctly, varies with time. So while I could calculate the average force of interaction from the impulse-momentum theorem, how could I deduce the normal force at any instant of time?

3. On a related note, how do I calculate the tension of a pendulum string at any point in the bob's motion? Is there any way of deducing this tension value without considering the motion of the bob first? And does the formula for centripetal force apply for the normal component of an object in non-uniform circular motion such as a pendulum bob?

4. Another confused question here. Suppose that we take a single frictionless and massless pulley with a massless string wrapped halfway around it. A tension force of magnitude T is applied at both ends. From considering the string and the pulley as a single system, I could see that a force of 2T is applied to the pulley? But when I consider the pulley as an independent component, my understanding is that the string applies a force equal to the sum of normal forces at all points of contact between the pulley and the string.. Besides considering the entire system, why does this force have a magnitude of 2T although the tension force is not directly applied to the pulley since tension acts along the length of the string?

5. Last one here. With a car performing an unbanked turn, the centripetal force responsible for the motion is some kind of friction between the tires and the ground? But what motion is this friction force opposing such that it is directed towards the centre of the circular path?

Again, thanks for reading this nonsense. Hope you can help out an uninitiated to physics.

 

[A.T.]

1. Yes, per definition

2. It comes from repulsion between atoms, which depends on material stiffness and compression.

3. Yes, if you know the material properties and the elongation.

4. Because of geometry.

5. Friction opposes or prevents relative motion of the contact patches.

 

[Cube Equation]

Thanks for the quick reply.

2. It comes from repulsion between atoms, which depends on material stiffness and compression.

3. Yes, if you know the material properties and the elongation.

That's good to know. So do actual equations exist for these forces, albeit most likely being too complicated for me to understand?

4. Because of geometry.

Could you please elaborate on this?

5. Friction opposes or prevents relative motion of the contact patches.

But how are the contact patches attempting to move perpendicularly to the velocity of the car?

And also

And does the formula for centripetal force apply for the normal component of an object in non-uniform circular motion such as a pendulum bob?

Thanks for your time.

 

[A.T.]

That's good to know. So do actual equations exist for these forces, albeit most likely being too complicated for me to understand?

The deformation is also very small and thus hard to observe.

Could you please elaborate on this?

Did you try to find a derivation online?

But how are the contact patches attempting to move perpendicularly to the velocity of the car?

They are attempting to move parallel to the axis of the turned steering wheels.

 

[Cube Equation]

Thanks again.

The deformation is also very small and thus hard to observe.

So in practice, the only way to deduce a value for normal force or tension is to simply observe the motion of the affected object?

Did you try to find a derivation online?

I just found one and am in the process of reading through it. I'll see if I understand it.

They are attempting to move parallel to the axis of the turned steering wheels.

I can see that this would give rise to a force directed towards the centre of the circular motion, but what is causing the contact patches to move in this manner? Is it due to a force applied by the body of the car as it attempts to continue moving as per Newton's First Law?

Thanks for your time.

 

[A.T.]

So in practice, the only way to deduce a value for normal force or tension is to simply observe the motion of the affected object?

You can also use a scale.

Is it due to a force applied by the body of the car as it attempts to continue moving as per Newton's First Law?

The car wants to keep moving straight, but wheels resist motion parallel to their axis.

 

[Cube Equation]

The car wants to keep moving straight, but wheels resist motion parallel to their axis.

So is the attempted motion of the contact patches parallel to the axis of the wheels due to the inertia of the car?

I did find a diagram online but I'm not sure if it's correct or not. It may help with the explanation.

 

[A.T.]

So is the attempted motion of the contact patches parallel to the axis of the wheels due to the inertia of the car?

Yes.