Situation diagram and free body diagram

AI Thread Summary
A situation diagram represents the overall context of a physics problem, while a free body diagram focuses specifically on the forces acting on a single object, excluding the forces it exerts. In a free body diagram, the chosen object is depicted with all external forces acting on it, such as gravity and tension from supporting threads, but not the forces it exerts on other objects. Understanding the distinction is crucial for correctly analyzing physical scenarios. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in differentiating these two types of diagrams in physics. Proper use of both diagrams aids in solving complex problems effectively.
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Hi all,

What is the difference between a situation diagram and free body diagram? I understand what a free body diagram is.

Thanks.
 
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I don't understand what a "situation diagram" is. Perhaps it's any kind of diagram of a physics problem.

For a free body diagram, you pick some object to be the "free body" and then you draw all the forces acting upon the body and do not draw the forces exerted by the body itself. For example if the "free body" is bar is suspended at its ends by threads, you draw the force of gravity on the bar and the force of each thread on the bar. But you don't draw the forces that the body exerts on the threads or the forces that the other ends of the threads exert on the ceiling or whatever is holding them.
 

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