Free Body Diagrams

Front

What is a free body diagram?

Back

A graphical representation used to visualize the forces acting on an object.

Front

How do you calculate the net force when forces are acting in the same direction?

Back

Add the forces together.

Front

What is the significance of the length of the arrows in a free body diagram?

Back

The length of the arrows represents the magnitude of the forces.

Front

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

Back

Gravity acting on the object.

Front

What do the arrows in a free body diagram indicate?

Back

The direction and magnitude of the forces acting on the object.

Front

How do you determine the net force when forces are acting in opposite directions?

Back

Subtract the smaller force from the larger force.

Front

What is the net force if a 20 N force to the right and a 3 N force to the left are acting on an object?

Back

17 N to the right.

Front

What is the role of friction in free body diagrams?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object.

Front

How can you represent multiple forces acting on an object in a free body diagram?

Back

By drawing arrows for each force, indicating their direction and magnitude.

Front

What is the first step in drawing a free body diagram?

Back

Identify the object of interest and isolate it from its surroundings.