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

3085 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A person swims from a depth of 0.50 m to a depth of 1.70 m below the surface of the sea. Density of the sea water = 1030 kg/m^3. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg. Calculate the increase in pressure on the swimmer. Give the unit.


In a doppler shift why does a moving source show no increase in speed of the mechanical waves emitted?


Two balls of identical size and shape are dropped from the same height. One ball has a mass of 50kg and the other has a mass of only 10kg. Why do they reach the ground at the same time?


How do you rearrange equations at Physics GCSE ?


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