To handle a typical problem in mechanics systematically, one should use the following steps :
`(i)` Draw a diagram showing schematically the various parts of the assembly of bodies, the links, supports, etc.
`(ii)` Choose a convenient part of the assembly as one system.
`(iii)` Draw a separate diagram which shows this system and all the forces on the system by the remaining part of the assembly. Include also the forces on the system by other agencies. Do not include the forces on the environment by the system. A diagram of this type is known as ‘a free-body diagram’.
`(iv)` In a free-body diagram, include information about forces (their magnitudes and directions) that are either given or you are sure of (e.g., the direction of tension in a string along its length). The rest should be treated as unknowns to be determined using laws of motion.
`(v)` If necessary, follow the same procedure for another choice of the system. In doing so, employ Newton’s third law. That is, if in the free-body diagram of A, the force on A due to B is shown as `vecF`, then in the free-body diagram of B, the force on B due to A should be shown as `–vecF`.
To handle a typical problem in mechanics systematically, one should use the following steps :
`(i)` Draw a diagram showing schematically the various parts of the assembly of bodies, the links, supports, etc.
`(ii)` Choose a convenient part of the assembly as one system.
`(iii)` Draw a separate diagram which shows this system and all the forces on the system by the remaining part of the assembly. Include also the forces on the system by other agencies. Do not include the forces on the environment by the system. A diagram of this type is known as ‘a free-body diagram’.
`(iv)` In a free-body diagram, include information about forces (their magnitudes and directions) that are either given or you are sure of (e.g., the direction of tension in a string along its length). The rest should be treated as unknowns to be determined using laws of motion.
`(v)` If necessary, follow the same procedure for another choice of the system. In doing so, employ Newton’s third law. That is, if in the free-body diagram of A, the force on A due to B is shown as `vecF`, then in the free-body diagram of B, the force on B due to A should be shown as `–vecF`.