Do Normal Forces Always Exist When Surfaces are in Contact?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the existence of normal forces when two surfaces are in contact. A participant argues that a normal force can be zero, citing the example of a block in a freely falling lift, where the normal force between the block and the floor is indeed zero. Contrarily, a textbook, "The Pinnacle FIITJEE package for Newton's Laws," asserts that a normal force always exists without providing an explanation. This discrepancy raises questions about the interpretation of normal forces in different contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of normal force in physics
  • Knowledge of free fall and gravitational effects
  • Ability to analyze forces in contact scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of normal force in different physical contexts
  • Study examples of free fall and its implications on contact forces
  • Examine the principles outlined in "The Pinnacle FIITJEE package for Newton's Laws"
  • Explore molecular interactions and their relevance to normal forces
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching Newton's Laws, and anyone interested in the nuances of force interactions in contact scenarios.

ritwik06
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Homework Statement



Is it necessary to have a normal reaction whenever 2 surfaces are in contact with each other?


The Attempt at a Solution


I thought the answer was "no". But my book says "yes".
I can support my answer with an example:
the normal force between the surface of a block and the floor of a freely falling lift under gravity is zero.

Please help me. Does my book author takes the molecular level forces into account when he goes on to say "yes"?
 
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What book are you using? Does the book give an explanation or just make a statement?

I would say that in the usual sense of the term you can have a zero normal force between surfaces in contact.
 
Doc Al said:
What book are you using? Does the book give an explanation or just make a statement?

I would say that in the usual sense of the term you can have a zero normal force between surfaces in contact.

Its called "The Pinnacle FIITJEE package for Newton's Laws". I was just going through it when I found this.
It has just made an emphatic "YES" with no explanations whatsoever.

Thanks a lot. I think it might just be a misprint or something.
 

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