Here is a vpython code to visualise the normal force acting on a block sitting on the foor.
\nThe normal force is provided by the floor. You can think of it as a supporting force.<\/p>\n
If the normal force was removed the box would be in freefall!<\/p>\n
Think of standing on a trampoline. The trampoline webbing provides an upwards force to stop you falling.<\/p>\n
This normal force would be the reading on a weighing scale. <\/p>\n
Change the value of acceleration variable “a” in the code to see what happens to the normal force when the floor is accelerating upwards or downwards<\/p>\n
The normal force is the reading of the weight in newtons on the weighing scale.<\/p>\n
What is your weight reading when the floor is accelerating upwards, ie a positive acceleration and when the floor is accelerating downwards, a negative acceleration?<\/b><\/p>\n
Press the small pencil to change the code. Then run.<\/p>\n