How to Solve for Normal Force on an Inclined Plane

When an object rests on an inclined plane, two forces are exerted upon it: the normal force and the frictional force. Normal force acts perpendicular to the plane of interaction; it presses against the mass resting on it with the same force that the mass exerts. Frictional force acts parallel to the plane of interface. In this case, friction acts against the tendency of objects to slide down an inclined plane. You can use the object's mass and the angle of the incline to determine the normal force exerted.

• 1

  Measure the mass of the object on the inclined plane in kilograms.

• 2

  Multiply the mass by the gravitational acceleration of Earth: 9.8 meters/second squared.

• 3

  Multiply the result by the cosine of the inclined plane's angle from horizontal and express the force in newtons.