<p align="right">Last Update: <font color="#4f81bd">July, 28, 2024</font></p> ## BIG IDEAS - A graphical representation of forces - It isolates the object from its surroundings - Shows all the external forces acting upon it - A means to create equations to analyze the object or system >[!note] Definition >A **Free Body Diagram (FBD)** is a graphical representation used to visualize the forces acting on a single object or system. ### Process to Draw FBDs - **Isolate the Object** - Identify and isolate the object you are analyzing. Draw a simple outline of the object (a box, a dot, or any simple shape). - **Identify All Forces Acting on the Object** - List all the forces acting on the object. Consider: - Gravitational force (weight) - Normal force - Frictional force - Tension - Applied forces - Spring force - Air resistance (if significant) - Any other relevant forces - **Choose a Coordinate System** - Select an appropriate coordinate system (usually Cartesian coordinates with x and y axes). - Align the coordinate system with the motion of the object when possible (e.g., one axis along the direction of motion on an inclined plane). - **Draw the Object and Forces** - Represent the object with a simple shape (e.g., a box or dot). - Draw vectors representing each force, starting at the point where the force acts on the object. - Ensure the direction and relative magnitude of each force vector are accurate. - **Label Each Force** - Clearly label each force with its type and symbol (e.g., $F_g$ for gravitational force, $N$ for normal force, $f$ for frictional force). - Include known values or variables next to the labels if available. - **Break Down Forces into Components (if necessary)** - If any forces are not aligned with the chosen coordinate axes, break them down into their x and y components. - Use trigonometry to find the components of angled forces. - **Check for Equilibrium or Acceleration** - Determine if the object is in equilibrium (net force is zero) or accelerating (net force is not zero). - For equilibrium: Ensure the sum of forces in each direction equals zero. - For acceleration: Ensure the sum of forces equals $ma$ in the direction of acceleration. - **Review and Verify** - Double-check that all forces acting on the object have been included. - Verify that the directions and magnitudes of the forces are correctly represented. - Ensure that all force vectors are properly labeled and components are accurately calculated. ### Process To Solve Problems >[!important] >Use Newton's second law, $\Sigma F = ma$, where $\Sigma F$ is the sum of all forces acting on the object, $m$ is the mass of the object, and $a$ is its acceleration. ### Slide Deck <div style="position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-top: 56.2500%; padding-bottom: 0; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px 0 rgba(63,69,81,0.16); margin-top: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.9em; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 8px; will-change: transform;"> <iframe loading="lazy" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0; border: none; padding: 0;margin: 0;" src="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGPwBfNKRo/Vn8xwQ4kSh-CtE_VXNZlDg/view?embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="fullscreen"> </iframe> </div> ### Related Topics --- [[Home|Home]] | [[Mechanics]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Kinematics/Kinematics|Kinematics]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Dynamics/Dynamics|Dynamics]] | [[Force]] | [[Net Force]] | [[Newton's First Law]] | [[Newton's Second Law]] | [[Newton's Third Law]] | [[Inertia]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Dynamics/Weight]] | [[Normal Forces]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Dynamics/Friction]]