Free Body Diagram

A free body diagram, or force diagram, is a drawing of an object that is used to show all of the forces acting on the body. In mechanics, free body diagrams are extremely helpful because they allow visualization of each force acting upon the object. There are various forces that can be acting on the object, such as applied force, frictional force, normal force, and gravitational force. However, free body diagrams are not limited to these. All forces on a free body diagram are due to the body's interactions with its surroundings.

How To Draw a Free Body Diagram

Free body diagrams are usually used in collaboration with Newton's Second Law, F=mass*acceleration, as both are typically used in the process of solving for force. To create a free body diagram, it is most beneficial if the system and surroundings are identified, and any forces that are identified to be negligible do not need to be drawn on the diagram. A box or point is usually used to model the system in a free body diagram. Each force is typically represented by an arrow, which is drawn in the direction in which they act on the system. The size of each arrow, though not completely to scale, should mirror the magnitude of the force. Each of these arrows should be labeled as a certain force to avoid confusion when solving problems.

Types of Forces to Consider for Free Body Diagrams

Although all of these forces are not always present in every situation, some of these forces will usually be present acting on a system.

• Applied Force: This is the force applied to the system by a person or other object.

• Force of friction: This is the force that a surface applies on the system that is moving (or trying to move) on that surface.
  • Important formula to remember with this: f=μf_norma

• Force of gravity:

• Normal force:

• Spring force:

• Force of tension:

These are just the most common forces for free body diagrams in mechanics; however, other forces also exist.

A Mathematical Model[edit] What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example dp⃗ dtsystem=F⃗ net where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model[edit] How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples[edit] Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

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