https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-college-physics-1/xf557a762645cccc5:force-and-translational-dynamics/xf557a762645cccc5:forces-and-systems/v/forces-and-free-body-diagrams 2025-10-06T13:00:43.565068281Z Forces and free-body diagrams A force is a vector quantity that describes a push or pull. A variety of contact forces (e.g., normal force, friction) and non-contact forces (e.g., gravity) may act on an object simultaneously. A free-body diagram is a model that shows each of the external forces exerted on an object. Forces are represented as vector arrows originating from the representation of the center of mass, such as a dot. A free-body diagram is useful for determining the net force on an object, which is the vector sum of all the individual forces acting on the object. Mahesh Shenoy video https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka_thumbnails_cache/42a78503-f228-4155-b96d-e36bfb3cce31_1280_720_base.png Forces and free-body diagrams A force is a vector quantity that describes a push or pull. A variety of contact forces (e.g., normal force, friction) and non-contact forces (e.g., gravity) may act on an object simultaneously. A free-body diagram is a model that shows each of the external forces exerted on an object. Forces are represented as vector arrows originating from the representation of the center of mass, such as a dot. A free-body diagram is useful for determining the net force on an object, which is the vector sum of all the individual forces acting on the object. https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-youtube-converted/i447NWNpScM.mp4/i447NWNpScM.mp4 734 Forces Acting on a System of Objects https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-college-physics-1/xf557a762645cccc5:force-and-translational-dynamics/xf557a762645cccc5:forces-and-systems/e/free-body-diagrams-ap-physics-1 2025-12-05T19:00:51.330156005Z Forces and free-body diagrams Apply your knowledge of forces and free-body diagrams in this set of free practice questions. Sean exercise