normal force

[/ˈnɔːr.məl fɔːrs/]
nounfemininepl: normal forces / forças normais
força normal
1. In physics, the contact force exerted by a surface on an object perpendicular to the surface, preventing the object from passing through the surface
The normal force acting on a book resting on a table equals the book's weight.
A força normal atuando sobre um livro em repouso sobre uma mesa é igual ao peso do livro.
2. The reaction force that a surface provides when an object is in contact with it, always perpendicular to the surface
As the person sits on the chair, the chair exerts a normal force upward to support their weight.
Quando a pessoa senta na cadeira, a cadeira exerce uma força normal para cima para apoiar seu peso.
This is a technical physics term used uniformly in Brazilian and Portuguese education systems. It appears in high school physics curricula (Ensino Médio) and is essential for understanding mechanics. The term is not subject to regional variation and maintains the same meaning across all Portuguese-speaking academic contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
contact forcesupport forcereaction force

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
força normal
Standard term used in physics education and scientific contexts
Portugal
força normal
Same term used; physics terminology is consistent across Portuguese-speaking countries
Academic/Scientific
força normal de contato
More formal variation emphasizing the contact nature

Related Words

forceweightfrictionnet forceNewton's lawsperpendicular
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