Free Body Diagrams

Question 1

Free Body Diagram

Answer 1

To apply Newton’s 3 laws, all forces on an object need to be considered. A free body diagram can be used to equate the net force and the acceleration of the object.

Question 2

Force Normal

Answer 2

As a result of an object having a weight force, it exerts a force directly on a surface it rests on. There will be a reaction force, called force normnal. The reaction force is equal to the force applied onto Earth. Normal forces and weight force is equal in magnitude on flat surfaces.

Question 3

Weight

Answer 3

Fg = mg

Question 4

Applied force

Answer 4

An applied force acts through a secondary object. Push or pull force acts in the same direction as motion. Fa

Question 5

Force Friction

Answer 5

Resistive force between direct contact of two surfaces. Represented by Ff.

Question 6

Drag

Answer 6

Drag is a resistive force by involves the restricted motion of an object moving through the atmosphere. This results in a braking affect and the object slows, transferring its energy to the energy of the air molecules in its surroundings.

Question 7

Tension

Answer 7

A tension force is a pulling force that acts through a cable. Can often be the reaction force to a weight force.

Question 8

Drawing Free-Body Diagrams

Answer 8

A free-body diagram shows all the forces acting on an object. Drawn as vectors with length representing magnitude of force.

Question 9

The resultant force on a body

Answer 9

When the net force acting on an object is zero, all the forces in every direction are balanced and are therefore in equilibrium. This result means there is no acceleration and the object remains in constant motion. When the netforce acting on an object is non-zero, at least one force in one direction is unbalanced. This results in acceleration and the object undergoes a change in velocity.