Questions About Normal Force and Golf Putting

[BuBbLeS01]

I don't understand the normal force and how to calculate it. If I have a question about a golfer putting a ball with a speed and a force that s slowing it down to get to the hole, it has normal force but it would equal 0 because there is no movement in the y direction right?

 

[dynamicsolo]

I don't understand the normal force and how to calculate it. If I have a question about a golfer putting a ball with a speed and a force that s slowing it down to get to the hole, it has normal force but it would equal 0 because there is no movement in the y direction right?

Normal force is a contact force: two objects must be touching for it to be present. In your problem, the ball is on the ground. As you say, there is no vertical movement. So what is true about the vertical (y-direction) acceleration of the ball? What would be the net vertical force on the ball?

Now, what forces are acting on the ball in the vertical direction? Would this imply that the normal force on the golfball is zero?

 

[m2003]

Hello,

I understand your confusion about the concept of normal force and how it applies to golf putting. Let me try to explain it in a scientific way.

Normal force, also known as the contact force, is the force that a surface exerts on an object that is in contact with it. In the case of golf putting, the normal force would be the force that the ground exerts on the golf ball as it rolls towards the hole. This force is perpendicular to the surface of the ground and is essential for the ball to maintain its motion in a straight line.

To calculate the normal force, we need to consider the forces acting on the golf ball. In the case of a golf putt, the two main forces acting on the ball are the initial speed and the force of gravity. The normal force is equal to the weight of the ball, which is the force of gravity acting on it. This force is always present, regardless of the direction of motion, and it is what keeps the ball from sinking into the ground.

Now, let's consider your example of a golf ball being putted towards a hole with a speed and a force slowing it down. In this case, the normal force would not equal zero because there is still motion in the y-direction (up and down). The normal force would be equal to the weight of the ball, which is always acting downwards, even as the ball is being slowed down.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the concept of normal force and its application in golf putting. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. As a scientist, it is my job to help others understand scientific concepts. Keep exploring and asking questions!