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 they act.

Front

What does the tension force represent in a free body diagram?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of friction in motion?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact. It acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the object.

Front

Define normal force in the context of free body diagrams.

Back

Normal force is the support force exerted by a surface perpendicular to the object resting on it. It counteracts the weight of the object.

Front

How does gravity affect objects in free body diagrams?

Back

Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth, acting straight down on the object in a free body diagram.

Front

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Back

Static friction acts on objects that are not moving, preventing them from starting to move, while kinetic friction acts on objects that are already in motion.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the direction of forces in a free body diagram?

Back

The direction of forces indicates how they will affect the motion of the object. Forces in the same direction add together, while forces in opposite directions subtract.

Front

What is the formula for calculating weight?

Back

Weight is calculated using the formula: Weight (W) = mass (m) × acceleration due to gravity (g), where g is approximately 9.81 m/s².

Front

Explain how to draw a free body diagram for an object on an inclined plane.

Back

To draw a free body diagram for an object on an inclined plane, identify all forces acting on the object: gravitational force, normal force, and frictional force, and represent them with arrows showing their direction and magnitude.