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.

RS
Answered by Robin S. Physics tutor

2814 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If Newton's third law is correct, why are walls not indestructible? In applying a force to a wall, if it breaks surely it is not giving an equal and opposite force.


A rollercoaster carriage wants to go up a slope of length 10m at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal, at what speed must the carriage be travelling at the bottom of the slope in order for it to reach the top? (Negligable Drag)


Hanging on a branch of a tree, a monkey sees a hunter aiming a gun at him. The monkey lets go of the branch at the exact same time the bullet is fired. Explain why the bullet hits the monkey.


Why do Physicists take multiple readings in experiments?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning