Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A free-body diagram is a visual representation that shows all the forces acting on an object. It helps to analyze and understand the motion of the object by isolating individual forces.
Related terms
Net Force: The net force is the vector sum of all the individual forces acting on an object.
Frictional Force: Frictional force is a resistive force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.
Tension Force: Tension force is a pulling force transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it's pulled at both ends.