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IB Physics SL A 2 3 Free Body Diagrams Questions

Practise drawing isolated-body force diagrams with correctly labelled and directed forces for equilibrium, slopes, circular motion and falling objects.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Isolate the named body and draw every real external force acting on it, with correct labels, directions and points of application where required.
  • Construct diagrams for weight, normal reaction, friction, tension, drag, lift and buoyancy in horizontal, vertical, inclined and fluid situations.
  • Choose relative arrow lengths or force components consistently with equilibrium, acceleration, terminal speed or the stated motion.
  • Construct free-body diagrams for circular or orbital motion without inventing a separate “centripetal force”; identify the actual force or resultant directed inward.
  • Use a completed diagram to check whether the listed forces are physically compatible with the object’s acceleration, contact condition or equilibrium.

Learn this topic

Study A.2.3—Free-body diagrams conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics SL A 2 3 Free Body Diagrams Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A cylindrical cork of height H and cross-sectional area A is floating stationary in water. Its depth below the water surface is D.

Figure for Question IB Physics SL A 2 3 Free Body Diagrams Questions question 1 — IB Physics SL

Draw and label the forces acting on the cork.

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