A chain composed of four identical links is suspended by a rope and does not move. How many force vectors would be drawn on the free body diagram of each link and which direction would they point?

FIRST LINK (top): Upward force from rope (tension), downward normal force from link 2 (below), and downward force from earth (weight)

SECOND LINK: Upward normal force from link 1 (above), downward normal force from link 3 (below), and downward force from earth (weight)

THIRD LINK: Upward normal force from link 2 (above), downward normal force from link 4 (below), and downward force from earth (weight)

FOURTH LINK (bottom): Upward normal force from link 3 (above), downward force from earth (weight)

^ Is that right?

Also, I have to rank the magnitudes of all of the forces from largest to smallest, including how I used Newton's second and third laws.

To determine the number of force vectors and their directions on the free body diagram of each link, we need to assess the forces acting on the chain.

In this scenario, the chain is suspended by a rope, and it is not in motion. Since it is not moving, we can conclude that all the forces acting on each link balance each other out.

Let's break down the forces acting on the chain:

1. Tension Force: The rope exerts an upward force on the chain, known as the tension force. This force prevents the chain from falling down. It acts vertically upward.

2. Weight Force: Each link of the chain is subject to the force of gravity. The weight force acts downwards, influenced by the mass of each link. It acts vertically downward.

Since the chain is not moving, the weight force and the tension force must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to maintain equilibrium.

Therefore, for each link, the free body diagram would depict two force vectors:

1. Tension Force: It is represented as an arrow pointing upward, opposite to the weight force's direction.

2. Weight Force: It is represented as an arrow pointing downward, opposite to the tension force's direction.

So, for each identical link in the chain, the free body diagram would include two force vectors: one pointing upward (representing tension force) and one pointing downward (representing weight force).