Force Diagrams

Front

What is a force diagram?

Back

A visual representation that shows all the forces acting on an object, including their direction and magnitude.

Front

What is friction?

Back

A force that opposes the motion of an object, acting parallel to the surfaces in contact.

Front

What is an applied force?

Back

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

Front

What is gravity?

Back

A force that attracts two bodies towards each other, commonly experienced as the force that pulls objects towards the Earth.

Front

What is a normal force?

Back

The support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with another stable object, acting perpendicular to the surface.

Front

What does it mean for forces to be balanced?

Back

Forces are balanced when they are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What does it mean for forces to be unbalanced?

Back

Forces are unbalanced when they are not equal, causing a change in the motion of an object.

Front

What is the magnitude of a force?

Back

The size or strength of a force, often measured in Newtons (N).

Front

How do you represent the direction of a force in a force diagram?

Back

By using arrows that point in the direction the force is acting.

Front

What does the length of an arrow in a force diagram represent?

Back

The strength of the force; longer arrows indicate stronger forces.