FREE BODY

DIAGRAM
WHAT IS FREE BODY DIAGRAM?

• A Free Body Diagram is a visual presentation used in

physics and engineering to isolate and analyze the forces
acting on an object. By using a Free Body Diagram, you
can analyze the forces magnitude and direction to
understand how they affect the object’s motion or
equilibrium.
10 FORCES IN FREE BODY DIAGRAM

• Weight - The gravitational force on an object with mass.

• Normal Force – This force acts perpendicular to a surface and supports the
weight of an object resting on that surface, like the force the ground exerts on
your feet to keep you from sinking through
• Tension – This force in a stretched or pulled object, like the force in a rope
when you pull it
• Friction – This force opposes the motion of an object sliding along a surface,
like the resistance you feel when trying to push something heavy
• Applied Force – An external force applied to the object, which could come
from pushing, pulling, or any other form of direct contact
• Spring Force – This force occurs in objects like springs and rubber bands
when they are stretched or compressed. It pushes back when you change their
shapes
• Air Resistance – When an object moves through the air, it experiences air
resistance, which opposes its motion
• Buoyant Force – This Force is the upward force exerted on an object
submerged in a fluid
• Torsion – Is a twisting force that applies to objects like screws or the winding
of a spring
• Electromagnetic Forces – In certain situation, objects can experience
forces due to electric or magnetic fields
EXAMPLES
1. A book is at rest on a tabletop. A free-body diagram for this situation looks
like this
2. A gymnast holding onto a bar, is suspended motionless in mid-air. The bar is
supported by two ropes that attach to the ceiling. Diagram the forces acting on
the combination of gymnast and bar. A free body Diagram for this situation
looks like this.
3. A rightward force is applied to a book in order to move it across a desk at
constant velocity. Consider frictional forces. Neglect air resistance. A free-
body diagram for this situation looks like this.