Free body diagram on a block pushed against a ceiling

AI Thread Summary
A 2kg block is being pushed against a ceiling at an angle of 70 degrees, and the focus is on creating an accurate free body diagram. The gravitational and normal forces act downward, while the applied force at an angle needs to be correctly represented. Friction also plays a role in the diagram, and it's important to ensure all force vectors are accurately depicted. Aesthetics of the diagram matter for clarity and ease of understanding, especially for grading purposes. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the correct representation of forces and the importance of clarity in the free body diagram.
Madelin Pierce
Messages
24
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


A 2kg block is being pushed along a ceiling with friction by an angled force of 70 degrees. I'm asked only for the free body diagram.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I figured both the gravitational and normal force would point downwards, but the force applied at an angle(figure an angle someone would apply by pushing with arms) I'm confused on how to draw on the diagram.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Madelin Pierce said:

Homework Statement


A 2kg block is being pushed along a ceiling with friction by an angled force of 70 degrees. I'm asked only for the free body diagram.
70 degrees with respect to what?
Madelin Pierce said:
I figured both the gravitational and normal force would point downwards, but the force applied at an angle(figure an angle someone would apply by pushing with arms) I'm confused on how to draw on the diagram.
What is the direction of the force? That's the direction the force vector will make with the block.
 
Drawing.png
 

Attachments

  • Drawing.png
    Drawing.png
    3.5 KB · Views: 875
  • Drawing.png
    Drawing.png
    3.5 KB · Views: 492
I forgot to add that friction plays a role. I'm just confused on how to set up the free body diagram
 
Your applied force looks good. Now you need to add gravitational force and frictional force vectors. In which directions do they act?
 
2cd6bcfe-b055-4d4e-aa48-06aa0b6c8697.png
 

Attachments

  • 2cd6bcfe-b055-4d4e-aa48-06aa0b6c8697.png
    2cd6bcfe-b055-4d4e-aa48-06aa0b6c8697.png
    5.3 KB · Views: 674
Okay, it looks like you've got all the forces represented. That's good. What I would suggest, however, is that they be presented a bit more aesthetically. Often, leaving in the depiction of body being acted on makes things easier to recognize and process. So maybe something like this:

upload_2018-10-24_19-57-38.png


The placements of the force vectors around the block are not as important as getting their directions right, but making your diagram easy to read (especially by markers!) is at least a good portion of the battle :smile:
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-10-24_19-57-38.png
    upload_2018-10-24_19-57-38.png
    1.4 KB · Views: 768
Ok, thank you. I was drawing it on my computer sketch, so that's why it wasn't as clear.
 
  • Like
Likes gneill
Back
Top