

You have the choice of using the built in drawing tools or to "free draw" with the collection of movable pieces. Masses, pulleys, inclines, springs, pulleys, and more are available to be used in custom made diagrams. Use this worksheet to create diagrams having to do with various mechanics situations.

Rotational Inertia Lab (choice of three scenarios).Moment of Inertia: Rolling and Sliding Down an Incline.Rotation, Sliding, Rolling, and Friction.Rotation: Rolling Motion Basics + Cycloid.Equipotentials & Electric Field of Two Charges.Charged Particle in a Magnetic Field 3D.Electric Circuit with Four Identical Lightbulbs.Lens Refraction and Spherical Aberration.Double Slit Diffraction and Interference.Air Column Resonance with Longitudinal Waves.Wave Pulse Reflection (Free & Fixed Ends).Longitudinal and Transverse Wave Basics.Wave Pulse Interference and Superposition 2.Wave Pulse Interference and Superposition.Simple Harmonic Motion: Mass on a Spring.Simple Harmonic Motion, Circular Motion, and Transverse Waves.Center of Mass: Person on a Floating Raft.Momentum & Energy: Explosive Collisions.Momentum & Energy: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions.Conservation of Mechanical Energy: Mass on a Vertical Spring.Inclined Plane with Friction, Two Masses, and a Pulley.Static and Kinetic Friction on an Inclined Plane.Friction: Pulling a Box on a Horizontal Surface.Relative Velocity: Boat Crossing a River.Projectile Motion: Tranquilize the Monkey.Kinematics in One Dimension: Two Object System.Kinematics Graphs: Adjust the Acceleration.Position, Velocity, and Acceleration vs.Uniform Acceleration in One Dimension: Motion Graphs.Vector Addition and Subtraction Practice.The source of this force is object B, and this normal force is labeled accordingly. Object A has one interface and hence experiences a normal force, directed away from the interface. The weight of the object acts as a force pointing vertically downward, and the presence of the cord indicates a force of tension pointing away from the object. We now include any force that acts on the body. In part (c), we show all forces in terms of their x– and y-components, in keeping with step 3. In part (b), we show a free-body diagram for this situation, as described by steps 1 and 2 of the problem-solving strategy. In Figure(a), a sled is pulled by force P at an angle of 30^\circ.

Let’s apply the problem-solving strategy in drawing a free-body diagram for a sled. You can label it in a different color to indicate that it is separate from the free-body diagram. Note: If there is acceleration, we do not directly include it in the free-body diagram however, it may help to indicate acceleration outside the free-body diagram. If there are two or more objects, or bodies, in the problem, draw a separate free-body diagram for each object.In this case, place a squiggly line through the original vector to show that it is no longer in play-it has been replaced by its x– and y-components. Convert the free-body diagram into a more detailed diagram showing the x– and y-components of a given force (this is often helpful when solving a problem using Newton’s first or second law).We never include both forces of an action-reaction pair. However, forces that the object exerts on its environment must not be included. With the exception of gravity, all of the forces we have discussed require direct contact with the object. Do not include the net force on the object. Consider the types of forces described in Common Forces-normal force, friction, tension, and spring force-as well as weight and applied force. Include all forces that act on the object, representing these forces as vectors.We often place this point at the origin of an xy-coordinate system. If you are treating the object as a particle (no size or shape and no rotation), represent the object as a point. At first, you may want to draw a circle around the object of interest to be sure you focus on labeling the forces acting on the object. Draw the object under consideration it does not have to be artistic.Observe the following rules when constructing a free-body diagram: Problem-Solving Strategy: Constructing Free-Body Diagrams
