Free-body diagrams
To analyse the forces acting on an object we can draw a free-body diagram. This is basically a labelled diagram with vectors.
Primary forces that can be used in a free body diagram
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Weight | Gravity acting on an object trough its Centre of mass |
| Friction | The force when two object rub against each other |
| Drag | The force from resitance created by air and liquid |
| Tension | The force within a rope that is tightened |
| Upthrust | The force from buoyancy acting on a object in fluid |
| Normal contact force | The force when once object rests on another |
Showing forces
- Each force vector is represented by an arrow with a label showing its force
- The longer the arrow the stronger the force
