FREE-BODY DIAGRAMSApplication of Newton's LawsCP-04 Page 6Rev. 0Figure 1 Book on a TableConstructingaFree-BodyDiagramIn constructing a free-body diagram the following steps are usually followed.Step 1.Determine which body or combination of bodies is to be isolated. The bodychosen will usually involve one or more of the desired unknown quantities.Step 2.Next, isolate the body or combination of bodies chosen with a diagram thatrepresents its complete external boundaries.Step 3. Represent all forces that act on the isolated body as applied by the removedcontacting and attracting bodies in their proper positions in the diagram of theisolated body. Do not show the forces that the object exerts on anything else,since these forces do not affect the object itself.Step 4. Indicate the choice of coordinate axes directly on the diagram. Pertinentdimensions may also be represented for convenience. Note, however, that thefree-body diagram serves the purpose of focusing accurate attention on theaction of the external forces; therefore, the diagram should not be clutteredwith excessive information. Force arrows should be clearly distinguished fromother arrows to avoid confusion. For this purpose colored pencils may beused.
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