Free-body diagrams
What Free-body diagrams means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Free-body diagrams
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Free-body diagrams in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A diagram of the point showing each force with its correct direction and labelling unknown magnitudes clearly.
A drawing used to identify all forces and their points of application, including weight and reaction forces.
Topics that use Free-body diagrams
- Scalars and vectors (AQA A-Level)
- Equilibrium (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Equilibrium conditions
- Resultant force
- Coplanar forces at a point
- Couple
- Displacement
- Equilibrium
- Measurement accuracy
- Moment of a force
Using Free-body diagrams in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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