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

3567 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How to use fleming's left hand rule.


Describe what happens to a star, after the main sequence period, for the star to eventually become a black dwarf. (5 Marks)


The loudspeaker produces a sound wave with a frequency of 850 hertz and a wavelength of 0.4 metres. Calculate the speed of this sound wave. Give the unit


What is terminal velocity? (falling bodies)


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning