Force Diagrams

Front

What is a force diagram?

Back

A visual representation that shows all the forces acting on an object, including their direction and magnitude.

Front

What is the normal force?

Back

The force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it, acting perpendicular to the surface.

Front

What is the weight force?

Back

The force due to gravity acting on an object, calculated as the mass of the object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (W = mg).

Front

What is frictional force?

Back

The force that opposes the motion of an object, acting parallel to the surface of contact.

Front

What is applied force?

Back

The force that is applied to an object by a person or another object.

Front

What is tension force?

Back

The force transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends.

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

The attractive force between two masses, such as the Earth and an object, which pulls the object towards the center of the Earth.

Front

How does a force diagram help in problem-solving?

Back

It helps visualize the forces acting on an object, making it easier to analyze the situation and apply Newton's laws of motion.

Front

What happens to the forces in a balanced force diagram?

Back

In a balanced force diagram, the forces acting on an object are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, resulting in no net force.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

The vector sum of all the forces acting on an object, determining the object's acceleration according to Newton's second law.