Conservation of Energy: Why are Normal Forces Zero?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of work done by a force and how it applies to normal forces. It is explained that the work done by a force is dependent on the angle between the force and displacement, and since the normal force is always perpendicular to the displacement, the work done by it is always zero. The direction and displacement of the normal forces are also mentioned, with the conclusion that the work done by a normal force is always zero.
  • #1
t2r
2
0
Hello everyone,
someone could explain me please, why the work of the normals forces are 0 ?



He used with conservation energy equations.
How should I refer to the displacement point ?

Thx everyone !
 
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  • #2
Because the work done by a force is ##W= Fd\cos\theta##. The normal force is perpendicular to the displacement by definition in which case ##\theta =90^o## and ##\cos(90^o)=0##.
 
  • #3
Well, the work is, by definition ##dW=\vec{F}\cdot d\vec{r}##, and a normal force is, again by definition a force which fulfils ##\vec{F}\cdot d\vec{r}=0##. So the work is zero almost by definition again.
 
  • #4
The direction of the Normal forces is changed, and also the Δx is not downwards because the angular velocity.

Am I right ?
 

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  • #5
t2r said:
The direction of the Normal forces is changed, and also the Δx is not downwards because the angular velocity.

Am I right ?
Nop, the direction of the Normal forces is the same before and after, and also the ##\Delta x## is downwards in one case and horizontal in the other. From where you can see that ##\vec{F}\cdot d\vec{r}=0## as we said before.
 
Last edited:

1. What is the conservation of energy?

The conservation of energy is a fundamental law in physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.

2. Why are normal forces zero in some situations?

Normal forces, also known as contact forces, are perpendicular forces that act between two surfaces in contact. In some situations, such as when an object is at rest on a horizontal surface, the normal force is equal and opposite to the force of gravity, resulting in a net force of zero.

3. How does the conservation of energy relate to normal forces being zero?

The conservation of energy is related to normal forces being zero because when there is no net force acting on an object, the total energy of the object remains constant. In the case of an object at rest on a horizontal surface, the normal force and force of gravity cancel out, resulting in no change in the object's energy.

4. Are normal forces always zero?

No, normal forces are not always zero. They can vary depending on the situation. For example, if an object is on an inclined plane, the normal force will be less than the force of gravity, resulting in a net force that causes the object to slide down the plane.

5. How does the conservation of energy apply to real-life situations?

The conservation of energy applies to all real-life situations involving energy. For example, when a ball is thrown into the air, its potential energy decreases as it rises, but this is offset by an increase in kinetic energy. When the ball reaches its highest point, its potential energy is at its maximum, but its kinetic energy is zero. As the ball falls back to the ground, its potential energy decreases again while its kinetic energy increases. The total energy of the ball remains constant throughout the entire process, in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.

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