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free body diagram
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Definition/Summary
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| A free-body diagram is a diagram of all the contact and non-contact forces acting on a body. The diagram is used as a visual tool to help solve dynamics and kinematic problems. The process for creating these diagrams and using them in a problem is outlined below. |
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Equations
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Newton's Second Law:
Newton's Second Law for Torque:
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Recent forum threads on free body diagram
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Breakdown
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Physics
> Classical Mechanics
>> Newtonian Dynamics
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Extended explanation
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Procedure For Making and Using a Free-Body Diagram:
1) Set up a coordinate system.
2) Draw the body at the origin leaving out all things connected to the body (ropes, pulleys, etc.).
3)Draw all forces acting on the body (contact and non-contact forces) as vectors in the coordinate system.
4)Do not include forces which are not acting on the block.
5) Use the diagram, along with Newton's Second Law and the kinematic equations, to solve for the unknown. |
Commentary
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