Free body diagrams are primarily used to analyze:

Free body diagrams are a crucial tool in physics and engineering, particularly in the analysis of forces acting on a single object. They provide a clear visual representation where the object is isolated, allowing for the identification and illustration of all the forces that are acting upon it. By representing these forces with arrows that denote both magnitude and direction, free body diagrams facilitate the application of Newton's laws of motion to solve problems related to equilibrium, motion, and dynamic interactions.

In essence, by focusing solely on the forces, free body diagrams help in understanding how these forces contribute to the overall behavior of the object. This can include things like changes in speed, direction, or whether the object remains at rest. The clarity that comes from isolating a single object and mapping out its forces makes free body diagrams an invaluable resource for both theoretical analysis and practical problem-solving in various fields.