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A free body diagram is a visual representation of the forces acting on an object. It shows all the external forces acting on the object, such as gravity, friction, and applied forces.
Free body diagrams are important because they help us understand the forces acting on an object and how those forces affect its motion. They allow us to analyze and solve problems involving forces in a systematic and organized manner.
To draw a free body diagram, start by sketching the object in question as a simple shape. Then, identify and label all the external forces acting on the object. Finally, draw arrows to represent the direction and magnitude of each force.
The steps for solving problems using free body diagrams are as follows:
Some common mistakes to avoid when using free body diagrams include: