Free Body Diagrams

Front

What is a free body diagram?

Back

A free body diagram is a graphical representation used to visualize the forces acting on an object. It shows the object as a dot and the forces as arrows pointing in the direction of the force.

Front

What forces are typically represented in a free body diagram?

Back

Typical forces include gravitational force, normal force, frictional force, tension force, and applied force.

Front

How do you determine the direction of the gravitational force in a free body diagram?

Back

The gravitational force always acts downward towards the center of the Earth.

Front

What is the normal force?

Back

The normal force is the support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with a surface. It acts perpendicular to the surface.

Front

What is frictional force?

Back

Frictional force is the force that opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact. It acts parallel to the surfaces.

Front

What is tension force?

Back

Tension force is the force transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends.

Front

What is applied force?

Back

Applied force is a force that is applied to an object by a person or another object.

Front

How do you calculate the net force acting on an object using a free body diagram?

Back

The net force is calculated by vectorially adding all the forces acting on the object, taking into account their directions.

Front

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Back

Static friction acts on an object at rest and prevents it from starting to move, while kinetic friction acts on an object that is already in motion.

Front

What role does the angle of inclination play in free body diagrams?

Back

The angle of inclination affects the components of gravitational force acting parallel and perpendicular to the surface, influencing normal and frictional forces.