Show Me The Physics

Applied Force Angle (θ) & The Normal Force (FN)

SCALE: FN = ? N Fg = 100 N θ = +30° FN Fg Fapp
Smartboard & Classroom Guide
  • Use the single Angle (θ) slider at the bottom or drag the golden Fapp vector tip directly on the Smartboard.
  • Observe how changing the angle θ changes the vertical component (Fy) and the Normal Force (FN) on the floor scale.
  • Each of the 6 Discovery Challenges appears for 5 seconds and then auto-hides so the physics animation expands to maximum size!
CLASS PREDICTION: A 100 N crate rests on a horizontal floor. If you pull the crate with a constant force Fapp, how does increasing the upward angle θ (from 0° toward +90°) affect the Normal Force (FN)?
FN: 70.0 N
Angle (θ): +30°
Fy: +30.0 N
Fx: 52.0 N
Fapp: 60.0 N
Fg: 100.0 N
Challenge 1 of 6 (Easy)
Make a choice below to unlock the simulation & enlarge the graphic!
1. What applied force angle (θ) creates the LARGEST Normal Force (FN)?
SCALE READOUT (FN = Fg − Fy) FN = 70.0 N FN = 100.0 N − 30.0 N = 70.0 N 10.0 kg 0° Horiz +30° Fx = 52.0 N Fy = +30.0 N Fg = 100 N FN = 70.0 N Fapp = 60 N CRATE LIFTED OFF SURFACE! (FN = 0 N)
Force Angle (θ) +30° (Pulling Up)