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, without considering its surroundings. It helps analyze and understand the forces involved in an object's motion.
Related terms
Normal Force: The normal force is the force exerted by a surface perpendicular to an object resting on it. It counteracts the weight of an object and prevents it from sinking into or through the surface.
Frictional force is a resistive force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. It arises due to microscopic irregularities between surfaces and depends on factors like roughness and applied force.
Tension force occurs when an object is pulled by ropes, strings, or cables attached at both ends. It acts along the length of these objects and keeps them taut while transmitting forces between objects.