Nano PHYSICS . MECHANICS . DYNAMICS . FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS

Identifying All Forces Acting

List all external forces: gravity, normal, tension, friction, drag, and applied forces. Learn where they come from and how to avoid missing or phantom arrows.

Physics · Mechanics · Dynamics · Free-Body Diagrams · Identifying All Forces Acting
Access for this nano-lesson
Unsigned visitors can show & copy prompts for Steps 1-3. Signed-in free accounts can also Run with AI for Steps 1-2. Paid accounts unlock everything (Steps 1-6 + Help prompts + AI).
Steps 1-3 Free Steps 4-6 Paid
STEP 1
Orient: identify all forces acting
Free
Establish the source-based method for listing all external forces on a chosen object or system.
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Goal: identify every relevant external force and its physical source.
STEP 2
Conceptual grounding: build the diagramming model
Free
Build a force-inventory workflow using interaction partners and physical conditions.
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Goal: distinguish contact and non-contact forces without relying on memory-only lists.
STEP 3
Real-world connection: model forces in scenes
Free
Apply the method to surfaces, ropes, people, fluids, slopes, and field interactions.
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Goal: avoid both missing forces and unsupported phantom forces.
STEP 4
Check your understanding: diagnostic mini-quiz
Paid
Attempt each question before revealing the diagram-based reasoning.
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Goal: identify and correct system, source, or arrow-direction errors before they become equation errors.
STEP 5
Practice: draw increasingly rich free-body diagrams
Paid
Apply the method to force scenes that grow in complexity.
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Goal: produce clear, physically justified free-body diagrams.