Example: A man is pushing a 10kg box on a rough floor, with a coefficient of friction of µ = 0. 6, by applying a 20N force. You will select our body to be the box.
Example: Make a square to represent the box.
Example: These are (1) the weight of the object, (2) the pushing force of the man, (3) the normal force applied by the floor, and (4) the friction force due to the rough floor.
Example: (1) For the weight, draw an arrow pointing downward because the weight is the pulling force of the earth’s gravity, which is always downward.
Example: (2) Draw an arrow that follows the direction of the pushing force. (3) Draw an arrow pointing upward for the normal force because it should always be perpendicular to the floor. (4) Draw an arrow that is opposite the direction of motion of the box for the friction.
Example: W = ma. W = (10kg)(9. 81m/s^2) = 98. 1N. Write this beside its respective arrow. Note: Forces are measured in Newtons or N.
Now that all forces are represented with their direction and magnitude, your FBD is ready for further engineering or physics analysis!
