The relationship between normal force and contact

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between normal force and contact in physics, specifically questioning whether the absence of normal force implies a lack of contact between objects. Participants are exploring the definitions and implications of these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of the statement that "no normal force" means "no contact" and discussing whether these conditions are necessary and sufficient for each other. Some are referencing a textbook for clarification and debating the interpretations of the quoted material.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing differing views on the interpretations of the relationship between normal force and contact. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of the statements, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a reference to a specific textbook and a quote that is being analyzed for its correctness, indicating that the discussion is grounded in academic material. Participants are also considering the implications of contact forces in relation to normal force.

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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