Force Diagrams
What is a Force?
 A force is a push or pull on an object.
 When making a force diagram , always construct a set
of coordinate plane axes.
Types of Forces
Types of Forces Continued
Steps in Making a Force Diagram
1.
Is the object accelerating?
1.
2.
If there is, then there is a net force
If not then the net force is zero.
2. Is it accelerating in the X or Y direction?
3. Draw a dotted circle for your center
4. Represent all forces by a vector, drawn from the
center
Example Problem #1
 Draw a force diagram for the motionless cat on a rug.
Label the forces and tell which forces are equal
magnitude of each force.
Fn
F
g
Example Problem #2
 Draw a force diagram for Juan Pierre as he slows
down while sliding to second.
Fn
F
f
F
g
Example Problem #3
 Draw a force diagram for chandelier that is
suspended from a ceiling by a chain
Ft
F
g
Example Problem #4
 Draw a force diagram for the bucket of water that is
being raised from the well at constant speed.
F
t
F
g
Example Problem #5
 Draw a force diagram of skydiver who has just left a
plane and is speeding up.
F
g
Example Problem #6
 Draw a force diagram of a skydiver who is
descending at a constant rate.
F
t
F
g
Example Problem #7
 A cart is pulled at a constant rate.
F
F
n
Ft
f
F
g
Example Problem #8
 Draw a force diagram for a ball rising in a parabolic
trajectory.
F
g
Example Problem #9
 Draw a force diagram for a ball at the top of it
trajectory.
F
g