What is the reaction force caused by weight exerting force vertically downwards?

[lordsathish]

When we place an object on a table its weight exerts a force vertically downwards on the table, The table exerts an equal and opposite force on the object. What is the reactionary force exerted by the table, is it due to the electromagnetic interaction between object and the table.

 

[subharpe]

Re: Reaction to weight

I think, the reaction force is due to the long range interatomic force in the material of the table.

When you press the atoms of the table the electrons i the orbits of the atoms in the material of the table try to distort. When they distort, it tries to force the electrons fro their stable orbit to the lower orbits which are already filled up. Therefore according to Pauli's exclusion principle the lower orbit cannot afford any more electron and exerts repelling force on the intruding electron which pushes the electron away and in turn pushes the thing up as reaction force.

 

[Kohi_boy]

Reaction to weight

Definately not Electromagnetic as you mention.

 

[lordsathish]

Re: Reaction to weight

If it was electromagnetic forces then it should be proportional to the surface area of the object... and not the weight of the object...
this seems to be contradicting....!

 

[lordsathish]

Re: Reaction to weight

Can anyone give a concrete answer...?