IB Physics SL A.2.3 Free-body Diagrams

Practise drawing isolated-body force diagrams with every real force labelled, correctly directed and sized where required, while excluding motion arrows and forces on other bodies.

Exam points

isolate the stated body and draw only real forces acting on it from a common point or body outline
label weight as W or mg, normal force, tension, drag or buoyancy with the correct directions
use relative arrow lengths and resolved components to show equilibrium or the required resultant acceleration

[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 A.2.3—Free-body diagrams question 1 — IB Physics SL

Draw and label the forces acting on the cork.

Weight and Buoyancy drawn in proper directions (by eye) and correctly identified

Allow any sensible identification of the forces (e.g. mg for $F_{g}$ )

Do not allow "gravity" for weight.

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A.2.3—Free-body diagrams question 1