Q&A for How to Draw a Free Body Diagram

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A man applies a force of 450 N to push a crate with a mass of 900 kg over a horizontal floor. How can this be calculated?

Community Answer

F = ma; m = 900 kg, a = x m/sec. A = f/m; a = 450/900 =0.5 m/sec. Hence, the acceleration is 0.5 m/s.

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How do I find acceleration and action reaction force?

Community Answer

Since the Free Body Diagram shows the forces, if you know the mass you can use the equation F=ma. F is the force, M is the mass and A is the acceleration. The action reaction forces are equal to each other and are in opposite directions.

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What are the best equations to solve a free body diagram?

Community Answer

Depending on the type of free body diagram, there will be a lot of different equations used. Newton's second law, Hooke's law, and static friction formulas are all useful.

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How do I calculate the magnitude of friction?

Melvin Jose

Community Answer

Magnitude of friction(f)= μN (μ= Coefficient of friction, N= Normal force). μ depends on the surface in which body moves. Normal force's value will be in "most occasions" equal to weight of object (mg).

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How do I draw a free body force diagram?

Community Answer

Draw the object and draw the forces acting "on" it and not "by" it. Also, make sure you correctly represent the direction of forces. If the frame of reference is non-inertial, draw the pseudo-force acting on it in the direction opposite to the acceleration of the frame.

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How do I draw a free body diagram of a boy pulling the desk with a force of 70 N? There is a force of 20 N.

Community Answer

Draw the desk (just a square). Draw an arrow representing 70N (by the boy). Draw mg (downward) and normal force (upwards). If you meant 20N is the friction, then draw an arrow opposite, of 20N. If you meant 20N is the net force, then the force of friction is 50N.

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