5 Steps to Solve any Free Body Diagram Problem

The video tutorial covers the concept of free body diagrams, also known as force diagrams, in physics. It introduces a five-step method to solve any free body diagram problem: drawing the diagram, breaking forces into components, redrawing the diagram, summing forces in the y direction, and summing forces in the x direction. The tutorial uses a practical example of a father dragging his child on a sled to illustrate these steps. The importance of redrawing the diagram to avoid mistakes is emphasized. The video concludes with a review of the steps and a closing message.

What is the first step in solving a free body diagram problem?

• Redraw the free body diagram

• Sum the forces

• Draw the free body diagram

• Break forces into components

Which force needs to be broken into components in the sled example?

• Force of tension

• Force of kinetic friction

• Force of gravity

• Force normal

Why is it important to redraw the free body diagram?

• To avoid simple mistakes

• To change the direction of forces

• To add more forces

• To make it look neat

What does the net force in the y direction equal according to Newton's Second Law?

• Force normal plus force of tension in the y direction minus force of gravity

• Force of kinetic friction

• Force of tension minus force of gravity

• Mass times acceleration in the x direction

What is the final step in solving a free body diagram problem?

• Draw the free body diagram again

• Sum the forces in a perpendicular direction

• Break forces into components again

• Sum the forces in the original direction