Free Body Diagrams

Front

What is the force that prevents objects from sinking into surfaces?

Back

Normal force.

Front

What does the down-arrow in a free body diagram typically represent?

Back

Gravity.

Front

What force always opposes the motion of an object?

Back

Friction.

Front

What is the term for the force that acts parallel to the surface and opposes motion?

Back

Frictional force.

Front

What is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it?

Back

Normal force.

Front

In a free body diagram, how is the force of gravity usually represented?

Back

As a downward arrow.

Front

What is the relationship between normal force and weight when an object is on a flat surface?

Back

Normal force equals the weight of the object.

Front

What happens to the normal force when an object is on an inclined plane?

Back

It is less than the weight of the object.

Front

What is the effect of increasing friction on the motion of an object?

Back

It slows down or stops the object.

Front

What is static friction?

Back

The frictional force that prevents an object from starting to move.