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Free-Body Diagrams. Understanding forces. Definition. A free-body diagram is a simple diagram that shows the size and direction of all the forces acting on an object. Example. F Normal. F Applied. F Friction. p. F Gravity. Strategies for Constructing a Free-Body Diagram.
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Free-Body Diagrams Understanding forces
Definition A free-body diagram is a simple diagram that shows the size and direction of all the forces acting on an object
Example FNormal FApplied FFriction p FGravity
Steps for Constructing a Free-Body Diagram • Draw the object as a box • Draw each force as an arrow • Attach each arrow to the box • Aim the tip of each arrow in the direction the force is acting • Label each arrow
Lets Try Some Examples • A radio sits on a bookshelf. Observe the forces acting on the radio
Example 1 • Remember • Read the Problem • Determine all the forces that are acting on the object • Determine the direction that each force is acting
Example 1 • Remember • The force of gravity acts on the radio • The direction is downward • The force of the bookshelf holds up the radio • The direction is upward
The Free-Body Diagram The Free-Body Diagram will look like this FNormal FGravity
Example 2 • A car traveling down a road. Observe the forces acting on the car.
Example 2 • The force of gravity acts on the car downward • The force of the road holds the car upward • The force of the engine moves the car forward • The Friction against the wheels and the road pull backwards
The Free-Body Diagram The Free-Body Diagram will look like this FNormal FFriction FEngine FGravity
For You To Do Finish the worksheet in groups. Remember the strategies and steps for constructing a free-body diagram