Normal (Physics)
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Normal refers to any line or vector which is drawn perpendicular to a surface.
About the Normal
- A normal line is drawn on ray diagrams when a ray reaches the boundary between two media.
- The normal contact force is a force which always acts perpendicular to the boundary between two surfaces.
- Pressure is due to a force which is perpendicular to the surface of an object.
References
AQA
- Normal (line), pages 202-3, 205, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Normal, page 189, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
- Normal, pages 202-205, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Edexcel
- Normal line, page 336, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel
- Normal line, page 54, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel