What happens if the normal reaction force is less than zero?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the normal reaction force in physics, particularly in scenarios where this force may be less than zero. Participants are exploring the implications of a negative normal reaction force and its relation to an object's contact with a track.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning why an object would fall off a track if the normal reaction force is less than zero. There are attempts to clarify the nature of the normal force and its direction, with some participants suggesting that a negative normal force implies loss of contact with the track.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various interpretations being explored regarding the normal reaction force. Some participants have expressed understanding of the concept, while others continue to seek clarification on the relationship between the normal force and the object's contact with the track.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the normal reaction force being in a downward direction, which raises questions about its implications. The discussion also touches on the idea that the track can only exert a pushing force, not a pulling force, which is central to the participants' reasoning.

goldfish9776
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Homework Statement


why the object will fall of when the normal reaction force is less than zero ? P/s : the normal reaction force is in downward direction...
How if if the normal reaction force is less than zero ? the normal reaction is in upward direction ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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The track can only push the object away, not pull it towards it.
 
andrevdh said:
The track can only push the object away, not pull it towards it.
I still don't understand why when the normal reaction force is less than zero , the object will lose contact with the track ?
 
N is the normal reaction force from the track.
If the object is not pushing against the track
then it lost contact with it!
Which means it is falling.
So if N is upwards, or negative, which is impossible
since it cannot pull the object towards it, then the object
is falling. In the limiting case where it as the ppoint of leaving the
track N = 0. At this point it is "floating" and wants to leave the track
or at the point of falling since the only force on it is gravity or its weight.
 
andrevdh said:
N is the normal reaction force from the track.
If the object is not pushing against the track
then it lost contact with it!
Which means it is falling.
So if N is upwards, or negative, which is impossible
since it cannot pull the object towards it, then the object
is falling. In the limiting case where it as the ppoint of leaving the
track N = 0. At this point it is "floating" and wants to leave the track
or at the point of falling since the only force on it is gravity or its weight.
If the object is pushing against the track ,the object will surely losing contact with the track right , the object would fall of ?
 
No, if the object is pushing against the track then it means it is supported by the track.
Just like if you stand on the floor you push against it and it supports you with the normal force.
 
andrevdh said:
No, if the object is pushing against the track then it means it is supported by the track.
Just like if you stand on the floor you push against it and it supports you with the normal force.
Ok, I think I can understand it...
 
goldfish9776 said:
Ok, I think I can understand it...
i am able to understand it ...why N is less than zero
 
Aayat said:
i am able to understand it ...why N is less than zero
Is that what you meant to post, that you do understand? If so, that's nice, but why are you telling us?
 

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