FORCE DIAGRAM

What is the net force in the diagram?

Determine the net force acting upon the object.
1. The net force is zero Newtons. All the individual forces balance
each other (i.e., cancel each other out).

2. The net force is 5 Newtons, left. The vertical forces balance

each other (i.e., cancel each other out). The leftward force
(friction) remains unbalanced.

3. The net force is zero Newtons. All the individual forces balance
each other (i.e., cancel each other out).

4. The net force is 15 Newtons, up. The upward force of air

resistance is only partially balanced by the downward force of
gravity - 15 N of upward force remains unbalanced.
BREAKOUT
Construct a free-body diagrams for the various situations described below

1. A book is at rest on a tabletop. Diagram the forces acting on the book.

2. A gymnast holding onto a bar, is suspended motionless in mid-air. The bar is supported by
two ropes that attach to the ceiling. Diagram the forces acting on the combination of
gymnast and bar.

3. An egg is free-falling from a nest in a tree. Neglect air resistance. Diagram the forces acting
on the egg as it is falling.

4. A flying squirrel is gliding (no wing flaps) from a tree to the ground at constant velocity.
Consider air resistance. Diagram the forces acting on the squirrel.

5. A rightward force is applied to a book in order to move it across a desk with a rightward
acceleration. Consider frictional forces. Neglect air resistance. Diagram the forces acting
on the book.
Analyze each situation individually and determine the magnitude of the unknown
forces.
ANSWERS
A = 50 N (the horizontal forces must be balanced)
B = 200 N (the vertical forces must be balanced)
C = 1100 N (in order to have a net force of 200 N, up)
D = 20 N (in order to have a net force of 60 N, left)
E = 300 N (the vertical forces must be balanced)
F = H = any number you wish (as long as F equals H)
G = 50 N (in order to have a net force of 30 N, right)
If the chain is pulled upwards and to the right,
then there is a tensional force acting upwards
and rightwards upon Fido. That single force
can be resolved into two components - one
directed upwards and the other directed
rightwards. Each component describes the
influence of that chain in the given direction.
The vertical component describes the upward
influence of the force upon Fido and the
horizontal component describes the rightward
influence of the force upon Fido.
VECTOR COMPONENTS

As a quick review, let's consider the use of SOH CAH TOA to determine
the components of force acting upon Fido. Assume that the chain is
exerting a 60 N force upon Fido at an angle of 40 degrees above the
horizontal. A quick sketch of the situation reveals that to determine the
vertical component of force, the sine function can be used and to
determine the horizontal component of force, the cosine function
can be used. The solution to this problem is shown below.
Anytime a force vector is directed at an angle to the horizontal, the trigonometric functions
can be used to determine the components of that force vector. To assure that you
understand the use of SOH CAH TOA to determine the components of a vector, try the
following three practice problems.
ANSWERS

1. cos (30 degrees) = Fx / (100N)

Fx = 100 N • cos (30 degrees) = 86.6 N

sin (30 degrees) = (Fy / (100N)
Fy = 100 N * sin (30 degrees) = 50.0 N

2. cos (45 degrees) = Fx / (100N)

Fx = 100 N • cos (45 degrees) = 70.7 N
sin (45 degrees) = Fy / (100N)
Fy = 100 N • sin (45 degrees) = 70.7 N
3. cos (60 degrees) = Fx / (100N)
Fx = 100 N • cos (60 degrees) = 50.0 N
sin (60 degrees) = Fy/ (100N)
Fy = 100 N • sin (60 degrees) = 86.6 N