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Normal (Physics)

Revision as of 14:25, 10 November 2019 by Ellen References (talk | contribs)

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