Drawing a Free Body Diagram: Step-by-Step Guide
Drawing a free body diagram that accurately represents a physical situation can be a challenge, yet it’s essential to a good understanding of forces & motion. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to draw a free body diagram like a pro!
Step 1: Identify & Label the Objects
To begin drawing your Free Body Diagram, identify & label all relevant objects with arrows pointing in the directions of the forces each object applies to the other. This includes external forces, such as gravity and friction, as well as any forces due to contact between the objects.
Step 2: Resolve & Label Forces
Once all the relevant objects are labeled, resolve & draw the forces they apply to each other. Resolve means to separate a combined force into two perpendicular components that generally act in opposite directions. To simplify the process of drawing your free body diagram label each force as positive or negative.
Step 3: Calculate Net Force & Acceleration
Once all the forces have been drawn & labeled, calculate the net force acting on each object. The net force is the vector sum of all forces acting on the object. By combining forces, you can find the acceleration of each object. Acceleration is calculated by comparing the forces to the mass of the object.
Step 4: Draw the Free Body Diagram
Once all forces are resolved, labeled and calculated you can draw the free body diagram. Start by connecting everything with straight lines and arrows representing direction, showing the forces acting on each object. Include the action-reaction forces as well, to make it a complete Free Body Diagram.
Step 5: Analyze & Interpret the Diagram
Now that you’ve drawn the Free Body Diagram, analyze and interpret it. First, check to see if you labeled each force and object correctly & if the arrows are pointing in the right direction. Then, analyze the forces acting on each object to determine its motion. Acceleration can be determined by examining the net force, mass, and the direction of the forces acting on the object.
Step 6: Make Adjustments
If required, make any changes to your Free Body Diagram. As you’re adjusting your diagram be sure to check that your forces and objects are labeled & arrowed accurately. Adding more objects or external forces, or adjusting an object’s position and acceleration, are all possible solutions to get a better understanding of the problem at hand.
Step 7: Solve Problems & Make Predictions
With your Free Body Diagram all set, use it to solve problems & make predictions about the physical situation. Analyze the motion of the objects, draw conclusions about the forces at work and use your understanding to identify ways to solve the problem or make predictions.
Conclusion
Drawing a free body diagram does not have to be a daunting process. With practice and following this simple step-by-step guide, you can easily create beautiful, accurate free body diagrams. Get creative, have fun and please don’t forget to share your diagrams with us!
