Free body diagrams

Front

What is a free body diagram?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The force exerted by a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight.

Front

What is the role of friction in motion?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact.

Front

How does the force of gravity act on an object?

Back

Gravity pulls objects straight down towards the center of the Earth.

Front

What is an applied force?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean for forces to be balanced?

Back

Balanced forces occur when the net force acting on an object is zero, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What is the significance of unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces result in a net force that causes an object to accelerate in the direction of the net force.

Front

What is the normal force?

Back

The support force exerted by a surface perpendicular to the object resting on it.

Front

How does the weight of an object relate to free body diagrams?

Back

Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, represented as an arrow pointing downwards in a free body diagram.

Front

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Back

Static friction prevents motion between stationary objects, while kinetic friction opposes motion between moving objects.