Free body diagrams
What Free body diagrams means in Physics GCSE, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Free body diagrams
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: OCR
A diagram showing the object as a point or simple shape with one arrow for each force acting on it.
Topics that use Free body diagrams
- Newton's laws (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- balanced forces
- changing direction
- Circular motion
- constant velocity
- Directly Proportional
- Distance along the line of action of the force
- energy transfer
- Energy transfer between stores
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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