1. Sep 27, 2005 #1

   grief

   

   In which cases is the normal force acting on an object simply mg, and in which cases is it something else? If it's not mg, how can I figure out what it is?

    

   grief, Sep 27, 2005
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3. Sep 27, 2005 #2

   Leong

   

   the normal force depends on the situation. but you will always need to use newton's 2nd law.

    

   Leong, Sep 27, 2005
4. Sep 27, 2005 #3

   grief

   

   ok, so I don't really understand what the normal force is. By what is it exerted, by the ground? and it's not always upward, correct? it's perpendicular to the object, I think.

    

   grief, Sep 27, 2005
5. Sep 27, 2005 #4

   Leong

   

   you have normal when you have two objects that have contact. the direction is perpendicular to the contact surface. upwards or downwards will depend on which object you are referring.

    

   Leong, Sep 27, 2005
6. Sep 27, 2005 #5

   grief

   

   Ok, I got it, thank you.

    

   grief, Sep 27, 2005

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