1. What is Support Force?

Support force is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. It is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the weight of the object.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the support force formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Support force (Newtons)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)

Explanation: This formula calculates the force needed to support an object against gravity, which is equal to the object's weight.

3. Importance of Support Force Calculation

Details: Understanding support force is fundamental in physics and engineering, helping kids learn about Newton's laws of motion and how objects interact with surfaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass of the object in kilograms. The calculator will automatically use Earth's gravity (9.8 m/s²) to compute the support force.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between weight and mass?
A: Mass is the amount of matter in an object (measured in kg), while weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass (measured in Newtons).

Q2: Does support force change on different planets?
A: Yes, because gravity (g) differs on other planets. The support force would be different for the same mass object.

Q3: Why is gravity 9.8 m/s²?
A: This is the standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface, though it varies slightly depending on location.

Q4: What if an object is accelerating?
A: If an object is accelerating vertically, the support force would be different from just m×g, as it would need to account for the acceleration.

Q5: How is this concept used in real life?
A: Engineers use support force calculations when designing structures, furniture, and any object that needs to support weight safely.