1. What Is Support Force?

Support force, often referred to as normal force, is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. It prevents objects from falling through surfaces due to gravity.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the support force formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Support force (N)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)

Explanation: The support force is equal to the weight of the object when the surface is horizontal and there are no other vertical forces acting on the object.

3. Importance Of Support Force Calculation

Details: Calculating support force is essential in physics and engineering for designing structures, understanding mechanical systems, and analyzing forces in static equilibrium situations.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and gravitational acceleration in m/s². On Earth, standard gravity is 9.8 m/s², but this may vary on other celestial bodies.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is support force always equal to weight?
A: On a horizontal surface with no other vertical forces, yes. On inclined surfaces or when additional forces are present, the support force may differ from the weight.

Q2: How does support force relate to Newton's third law?
A: Support force is the reaction force to the weight of the object pressing down on the surface, illustrating Newton's third law of motion.

Q3: What units are used for support force?
A: Support force is measured in Newtons (N) in the International System of Units.

Q4: Does support force exist in free fall?
A: No, during free fall there is no surface to provide support, so the normal force is zero.

Q5: How does surface angle affect support force?
A: On inclined surfaces, the support force is less than the object's weight and is calculated as F = m × g × cos(θ), where θ is the angle of inclination.