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Forces and Free Body Diagrams

Jamie Z 2024-06-17

Learning Goals

  • I will be able to draw free body force diagrams

Force

A force is a push or pull between two objects that may cause one or both objects to change speed, direction or motion

\[ Force = mass*acceleration \ or \ F=ma \]

Terms that apply to force

  • Normal Force: Force that is exerted by an object that is perpendicular to the surface
  • Friction: Force between surfaces that resists the motion

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Net Force

Net Force is the total force acting on an object when all individual forces have been combined. It is the vector sum of all forces acting on an object. If the net force is zero, the object remains at rest or continues moving at a constant velocity.

\[ Force_{net} = Force_{1}+Force_{2} \]

Free body diagram

  • The forces acting on any object can be shown on a free body diagram
  • The direction of the force shows the magnitude of the force

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