Draw a freebody diagram showing the forces acting on a box sat on a table

The first thing to note is that the book is sat on the table, so it is stationary. From newtons laws, we know it must have 0 total force acting on it. Every object on the earth feels a force downwards due to gravity, so we draw an arrow downwards from the centre of the book. Since the object is stationary, we need a second force to oppose gravity. To keep the object still the force must be equal in size and in the opposite direction. We draw this force as an arrow the same length as the first but directly up from the centre of the book. This completes the diagram as no other forces are acting on it.

Answered by Robin S. Physics tutor

2275 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is electrical current?


Why does resistance increase with temperature?


A student investigated how the resistance of a piece of nichrome wire varies box with length.Describe how the student would obtain the data needed for the investigation. Your answer should include a risk assessment for one hazard in the investigation.


What is an (electrostatically) induced charge?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences