Free-Body Diagrams

The Free-Body Diagrams Interactive is a skill-building tool that allows the learner to interactively construct free-body diagrams for 12 physical situations. Each situation is described and the learner clicks/taps on-screen buttons to select forces that are directed upward, downward, rightward and leftward. Learners must decide upon the type of each force and its relative magnitude. Diagrams can be checked for accuracy; feedback is immediate and opportunities for correction are endless. The built-in score-keeping makes this Interactive a perfect candidate for a classroom activity.
 

Launch Interactive


Users are encouraged to open the Interactive and explore. There is no need for an activity sheet for this Interactive. A Teacher Preview version of the Interactive is available to Task Tracker teachers who wish to quickly view the 12 questions. View Teacher Preview Version (for Task Tracker teachers only).


Our Free-Body Diagram skill building exercise is now equipped with Task Tracker functionality. Learn more.

Learners and Instructors may also be interested in viewing the accompanying Notes page. Technical information, teaching suggestions, and related resources that complement this Interactive are provided on the Notes page. View Notes.

NOTE: We now have a second free-body diagram construction tool in the Physics Interactives section. It is named Free-Body Diagrams ... The Sequel. It operates the same as this one but includes 12 different scenarios to analyze. It is intended as additional practice for those who need or want it.