Question 1: Define a free body diagram and explain its purpose in analysing forces acting on an object.

Answer: A free body diagram is a diagram that shows all the forces acting on an object, used to analyse the object's motion or equilibrium.

Question 2: List three common forces that might be represented in a free body diagram of a hanging object.

Answer: Gravitational force (weight), tension in the supporting string or cable, and possibly air resistance.

Question 3: Describe the difference between a force and a moment in the context of free body diagrams.

Answer: A force is a push or pull acting on an object, represented as an arrow in a free body diagram; a moment is a turning effect caused by a force applied at a distance from the pivot point.

Question 1: A box of mass 10 kg is pulled along a horizontal surface with a tension force of 50 N. The frictional force opposing the motion is 15 N. Calculate the net force acting on the box and its acceleration. (Use g = 9.8 m/s²)

Answer: Net force = Tension - Friction = 50 N - 15 N = 35 N; Acceleration = Net force / mass = 35 N / 10 kg = 3.5 m/s².

Question 2: A 5 kg object is resting on an inclined plane at an angle of 30°. Calculate the component of its weight acting down the slope.

Answer: Component = m * g * sin(θ) = 5 kg * 9.8 m/s² * sin(30°) = 5 * 9.8 * 0.5 = 24.5 N.

Question 1: Describe a simple experimental setup to investigate the forces acting on a hanging mass. Include the variables you would control and measure, and mention any safety precautions.

Answer: Set up a mass suspended by a string attached to a pulley, with a force sensor or spring balance to measure tension. Control variables such as mass, string length, and pulley friction. Measure the tension and weight of the mass. Safety precautions include ensuring the setup is securely anchored, avoiding sharp edges, and not overloading the apparatus to prevent breaking or injury.

Question 1: A cyclist accelerates along a level road. The cyclist's weight is 700 N, and the force of air resistance is 50 N. The cyclist exerts a driving force of 300 N. Draw a free body diagram describing the forces acting on the cyclist and calculate the net force and acceleration.

Answer: Forces acting: weight (700 N downward), normal force (upward), air resistance (50 N opposite to motion), driving force (300 N forward). Net force = Driving force - Air resistance = 300 N - 50 N = 250 N. Acceleration = 250 N / (700 N / 9.8 m/s²) ≈ 250 N / 71.4 kg ≈ 3.5 m/s².

Question 1: Provide an example of how free body diagrams are used in engineering to ensure the safety of structures such as bridges or buildings.

Answer: Engineers use free body diagrams to analyse the forces acting on structural components, ensuring they can withstand expected loads without failure by calculating stresses and designing appropriate supports.