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Vertical Reaction Force Formula:
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Vertical Reaction Force (R_v) is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. According to Newton's third law, it's equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force the object exerts on the surface.
The calculator uses the vertical reaction force formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula is derived from Newton's second law of motion (F = m × a), specifically applied to vertical forces.
Details: Calculating vertical reaction forces is essential in structural engineering, biomechanics, and physics to ensure stability, analyze motion, and design structures that can withstand expected loads.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and vertical acceleration in m/s². For static conditions where there's no vertical acceleration, use a_v = 9.81 m/s² (standard gravity).
Q1: What's the difference between static and dynamic vertical reaction force?
A: Static vertical reaction force occurs when there's no vertical acceleration (a_v = 0 or 9.81 m/s² for gravity), while dynamic vertical reaction force involves additional acceleration components.
Q2: How does vertical reaction force relate to weight?
A: For objects at rest or moving with constant velocity, vertical reaction force equals the object's weight (m × g). During acceleration, it differs from the weight.
Q3: When is vertical reaction force greater than weight?
A: When an object is accelerating upward, the vertical reaction force exceeds the object's weight due to the additional force needed for acceleration.
Q4: Can vertical reaction force be negative?
A: In physics terms, vertical reaction force is typically positive as it opposes gravity. However, in vector analysis, direction matters and can be represented with signs.
Q5: How is this applied in real-world scenarios?
A: Vertical reaction force calculations are used in designing elevators, analyzing athletic performance (jumping, running), and structural engineering for buildings and bridges.