Are you having trouble with understanding how to calculate normal force? If yes, then we have this detailed guide ready for you!

1. How to Calculate Normal Force
Physics is full of formulas, forces, and how they interact with matter,
time, and energy. One of those forces is the normal force. Since you are
here, we are sure you are willing to learn more about normal force, right?
This short guide will explain how to calculate normal force while
describing its concept in detail. Not to forget, this lesson will be super
easy for you to understand. Keep Reading!
What is Normal Force?
Have you ever walked mindlessly and bumped straight into the wall? Yes,
the sensation and pain you feel after that is normal force!
By definition, the normal force is a contact force exerted by surfaces to
stop other hard and solid objects from passing through them.

2. For example, if you put a box on a table or any other flat surface, the
normal force will exert. But if the two objects a re not in contact, they
can’t exert normal force either.
Moreover, the normal force exerted will be as long as it is essential to
stop the surfaces from crashing into each other.
The concept behind the word ‘normal’:
Talking about ‘normal’ in normal force does not mean ordinary or typical.
Instead, it means ‘perpendicular force.’ Why? Because normal force,
represented as N or Fn, always acts perpendicular to the two surfaces. Let
us explain.
Think about it; it is a perpendicular force because it “prevents” solid
objects from passing through flat surfaces (same direction), not sliding
across. If they are sliding across each other, the force exerted would be
friction force.
How does a Surface know to Exert Normal Force?
It makes sense if an alive human being e xerts an upward force with their
hands to stop an object. But how do lifeless and inanimate surfaces like a
table or any other flat surface does that? Yeah, everybody finds it hard to
believe; but we have an explanation.
Well, we have to blame Newton’s thi rd law for this confusion. According to
that law,
“If one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts
a force of equal magnitude and opposite direction on the first object
(action equals reaction).”

3. For example, we have a table with a sack of rice on it. Here, the table
exerts an upward force (normal force) to stop the sack of rice from falling
through. And yes, the table ‘knows’ to do it.
Flat surfaces can spring back with the help of a restoring force. After this,
the table can reverse all sorts of deformation and come back to its
original form while keeping the sack of rice safe and intact.
How to Calculate Normal Force?
We can calculate normal force with the help of its formula, obviously.
However, we have a twist here. There is no one specific normal force
formula that helps you calculate. Also, the formula of the normal force
changes with the slope of the surface in every situation. Also, in some
cases, we use Newton’s second law to calculate normal force.
Below, we will mention different slop surfaces and the normal force
formula of each. These situations and angles include flat surfaces,
inclined surfaces, external upward force, and external downward force.
Read on!
1. The Normal Force Formula for object lying flat on a
surface:
After applying Newton’s second law :
Fn=mg
Here,
Fn is Normal Force,
m is the mass of the object,
and g is the gravitational acceleration.
2. The Normal Force Equation for an object on an inclined
Surface:

4. Fn = mgcosθ
Here,
Fn is Normal Force exerted,
m is the mass of the object,
g is the gravitational acceleration,
θ is the angle at which the body falls
3. The Normal Force Equation for External Downward
Force:
Fn =mg + Fsinθ
Here,
Fn is Normal Force exerted,
m is the mass of the object sitting
g is the gravitational acceleration
θ is the angle at which the body falls
4. The Normal Force Equation for External Upward Force:
Fn = mg – Fsinθ
Here,
Fn is Normal Force exerted,
m is the mass of the object sitting
g is the gravitational acceleration
θ is the angle at which the body falls
5. Normal Force Calculator:
Apart from the normal force formulas, you can also use a normal force
calculator. You will find the normal force calculator online, and it will
probably give accurate results. However, if you really want to learn, first
absorb the concept of normal force formulas. And yes, their results are
known to be more accurate than a normal force calculator.

5. Solved Normal Force Examples
Example 1: A b0x weighing 1.5 kg is resting on a table. What is the amount
of normal force being applied to the box?
Solution:
Here,
m = 1.5 kg
g = 9.8
Now, we apply the formula:
Fn = mg
Fn = 1.5 * 9.8
Fn = 14.7 N
Hence, the normal force being applied is 14.7 N.
Example 2: A box drops down on the table with a force of 250 N. The mass
of the box is 20 kg, and the angle at which it fell was 30 degrees.
Calculate the amount of normal force being applied to the box?
Solution:
Here,
m = 20 kg
F = 250N
θ = 30
Sin 30 = 1/2
Now, we apply the formula:
Fn =mg + Fsinθ
Fn = 20 x 9.8 + 250 x sin 30
Fn = 196 + 125
Fn = 321 N
Hence, the normal force applied to the box is 321 N.

6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1) Can normal force be downwards?
Ans. Yes, the normal force can act downwards and upwards both.
Q.2) What is the cause of normal force?
Ans. There are a lot of things that cause normal force, but it is mainly
caused by gravity.
Q.3) How does normal force work?
Ans. The normal force works by acting perpendicular to its contact
surface. However, the surface and the object contacting both should be
solid.
Final Words
Now that you have gone through the entire post, we are sure you know
how to calculate normal force by now. However, if you still have any
confusion, you can always hire a professional tutor from our website to
clear all your concepts. Just let us know if you need help, and we will
handle the rest for you!