The relationship between normal force and contact

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between normal force and contact, emphasizing that without a normal force, there can be no contact between objects. Participants analyze a statement from a physics textbook that claims "no normal force" equates to "no contact," and debate its correctness. They agree that while "no contact" implies "no normal force," the reverse may not hold true, suggesting a nuanced understanding of these concepts. The conversation highlights the complexities of force interactions when bodies are in contact. Ultimately, the relationship between normal force and contact is critical in understanding physical interactions.
siriux
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"If there's no normal force, there's no contact."


Is the statement above correct?

What is the relationship between contact and the existence of normal force? Are they necessary and sufficient conditions to each other?

Thanks for your help :p
 
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Why can't there be contact without a normal force?
 
I agree with you SammyS but the statement appears in Physics by Randall D. Knight pg225 paragraph 2 which precisely says

"No normal force" means "no contact"


Did I understand this quote correctly?
 
If that's it in its entirety, then you did.

However it is true that: No contact means no normal force.
 
Sorry I missed a full stop.

"No normal force" means "no contact".

So according to the textbook, "no contact" is the sufficient condition of "no normal force", which I think is wrong while I agree its conversion ("No contact" means "no normal force".) is right as you've just said.
 
siriux said:
So according to the textbook, "no contact" is the sufficient condition of "no normal force", which I think is wrong while I agree its conversion ("No contact" means "no normal force".) is right as you've just said.
Name the force/s that may arise when bodies are in contact.
 
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