Forces & Free-Body Diagrams

Mode

Mission: Build the diagram

Choose the crate, identify external forces, then compare them to predict acceleration.

1Choose object

2Add forces

3Find net force

Start with the wooden crate as the system.

Run experiment

Force controls

Crate mass20 kg

Applied force40 N

Friction coefficient0.25

Ramp angle0°

Simulation speed1.00×

Measurements

Weight196 N

Normal force196 N

Friction40 N

Net force0 N

Acceleration0 m/s²

Velocity0 m/s

Static friction matches the push, so the forces are balanced.

Inspect & track

Zoom1.00×

Force history

Teacher tools

Show all force labels Reveal force rule

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Learning objectives

Identify external forces on a chosen object.
Draw force arrows with correct direction and relative size.
Relate net force, mass, and acceleration.
Distinguish balanced and unbalanced forces.

Key concepts

Free-body diagrams isolate one system. Weight points downward, normal force is perpendicular to the surface, friction opposes slipping, and net force controls acceleration.

Suggested experiments

Increase applied force until static friction can no longer balance it.
Keep net force similar and double the mass.
Increase ramp angle and watch the downhill component grow.

Questions for exploration

Can an object move while net force is zero?
Why does normal force rotate on a ramp?
Which forces disappear when contact is removed?

Quiz

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