Understanding Normal Force: Exploring Contact and Surfaces in Block Systems

[whoareyou]

If there are 2 blocks beside each other and a force is applied to the first block, the first block will push the second block has well. This means that the two blocks are in contact. So why isn't there a normal force drawn perpendicular to the side of the second block if it is in contact with another surface other than the ground?

 

[ehild]

The blocks interact at the sides in contact. There is a normal force from the first block to the second one, and also a normal force, of equal magnitude and opposite direction, from the second block on the first one.

ehild

 

[whoareyou]

Ok so if the blocks were A and B, then F(A on B) and F(B on A) are actually the normal forces from the contact?

 

[ehild]

Yes, they are the normal forces exerted by one block to the other because of the contact. ehild

 

[Nickie]

I can provide an explanation for the absence of a normal force on the second block in this scenario. The normal force is a reaction force that acts perpendicular to the surface of contact between two objects. In this case, the second block is not in direct contact with the ground, but rather with the first block. Therefore, the normal force will be acting perpendicular to the surface of contact between the two blocks, rather than on the side of the second block.

Additionally, the normal force is a result of the interaction between the molecules of the two surfaces in contact. In the case of the two blocks, the molecules on the surface of the first block are in direct contact with the molecules on the surface of the second block. This interaction creates a force that is perpendicular to the surface of contact and prevents the two blocks from passing through each other.

It is important to note that the normal force will only be present if there is a force acting on the first block that is perpendicular to its surface. If the force is applied at an angle, then the normal force will be divided into two components - one perpendicular to the surface of the first block and one parallel to it. In this scenario, the parallel component of the normal force will cause the second block to move along with the first block, without any additional normal force acting on it.

In conclusion, the absence of a normal force on the second block in this scenario can be explained by the fact that it is not in direct contact with the ground and the normal force is a result of the interaction between the molecules on the surfaces in contact.