The normal force is the support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with another stable object. (Caution: do not confuse weight with mass.) The force of gravity on earth is always equal to the weight of the object as found by the equation: Fgrav = m * g where g = 9.8 N/kg (on Earth) All objects upon earth experience a force of gravity that is directed 'downward' towards the center of the earth. By definition, this is the weight of the object. The force of gravity is the force with which the earth, moon, or other massively large object attracts another object towards itself. Gravity Force (also known as Weight) F grav The applied force is the force exerted on the desk by the person. If a person is pushing a desk across the room, then there is an applied force acting upon the object. An applied force is a force that is applied to an object by a person or another object.
