1. How to Draw a Force Diagram to Find the Net Force Acting on an Object

2. First, identify the object (or the system of objects) which you wish to study. In this example, our system will be Ms. Clanton standing still in the physical science classroom

3. Next, draw a rectangle or a circle to represent the object (or system of objects) which you are studying. Draw a dashed circle around the object you are studying; the dashed circle represents the system you are studying. Only the object (or system) you are studying is in the dashed circle; everything else is outside.

4. Next, draw a rectangle or a circle to represent the object (or system of objects) which you are studying. Draw a dashed circle around the object you are studying; the dashed circle represents the system you are studying. Only the object (or system) you are studying is in the dashed circle; everything else is outside.

5. Then, draw everything which touches the object (or system of objects) which you are studying.

6. Next, identify any forces which are acting on the object you are studying. At least one contact force acts at each point where the object you are studying is touched. Identify any forces which act at a distance (gravity, for instance).

7. Next, identify any forces which are acting on the object you are studying. At least one contact force acts at each point where the object you are studying is touched. Identify any forces which act at a distance (gravity, for instance).

8. Next, identify any forces which are acting on the object you are studying. At least one contact force acts at each point where the object you are studying is touched. Identify any forces which act at a distance (gravity, for instance). Contact Force: Support Force

9. Next, identify any forces which are acting on the object you are studying. At least one contact force acts at each point where the object you are studying is touched. Identify any forces which act at a distance (gravity, for instance). Support Force Contact Force: Support Force

10. Next, identify any forces which are acting on the object you are studying. At least one contact force acts at each point where the object you are studying is touched. Identify any forces which act at a distance (gravity, for instance). Support Force

11. Next, identify any forces which are acting on the object you are studying. At least one contact force acts at each point where the object you are studying is touched. Identify any forces which act at a distance (gravity, for instance). Gravity always pulls down on an object if the object is at or near the surface of the earth. Support Force

12. Next, identify any forces which are acting on the object you are studying. At least one contact force acts at each point where the object you are studying is touched. Identify any forces which act at a distance (gravity, for instance). Gravity always pulls down on an object if the object is at or near the surface of the earth. Support Force Force of Gravity

13. Finally, you can find the net force acting on the object you are studying by adding up all of the force vectors in the diagram. For this example, the force vectors are equal in size but opposite in direction. So, they cancel out. The net force acting on the object we are studying is zero. Support Force Force of Gravity

14. Finally, you can find the net force acting on the object you are studying by adding up all of the force vectors in the diagram. For this example, the force vectors are equal in size but opposite in direction. So, they cancel out. The net force acting on the object we are studying is zero. Support Force Force of Gravity

15. Finally, you can find the net force acting on the object you are studying by adding up all of the force vectors in the diagram. For this example, the force vectors are equal in size but opposite in direction. So, they cancel out. The net force acting on the object we are studying is zero. Support Force Force of Gravity Net Force = 0