Free Body Diagram: Ax & Ay Direction Matters?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the correct representation of forces in a free body diagram (FBD) involving a fixed bar against a wall. It confirms that both Ax (horizontal force) and Ay (vertical force) must be included in the FBD, along with a moment of force at the point of fixation. The direction assigned to Ax and Ay is arbitrary; a negative value indicates that the actual force acts in the opposite direction. This understanding is crucial for accurately analyzing static equilibrium in physics.

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  • Understanding of free body diagrams (FBD)
  • Knowledge of static equilibrium principles
  • Familiarity with force vectors and their components
  • Basic grasp of moments and torque in physics
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hey, i just want a confirm if this is correct. imagine a built-in or a fixed bar in the side of a wall. when drawing a free body diagram for the point where the wall and the bar are fixed there should be forces in both x and y and a moment of force. if we label the x and y forces on the bar, does it matter on which direction we define it as?
Code:
ie

^  Ay                                                      
|                                                            
|                                                    
|                                                        
|----------->    Ax        


            OR


 | Ay
 |
 |
 |
\|/ <-----------  Ax
cuz, if you solve for Ax or Ay, even if it's -ve, it just means that positive motion is acting in the opposite direction...right?

any help would b appreciated.
cheers,
 
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Physics is invariant under coordinate transforms, especially linear non accelerating coordinate transforms like this.
 

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