Final answer:
When analyzing frames and machines, it is crucial to treat each member in isolation using Free Body Diagrams to focus on external forces acting on that single member, which aids in determining the net force and writing the equations for the physical situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing frames and machines and splitting them into Free Body Diagrams (FBD) for different members, it is essential to treat each member in isolation for analysis. This approach allows you to focus on the forces that act on a single member without being confused by the forces on the entire structure. A free-body diagram is a tool which helps in visualizing the forces being exerted on a single object and is foundational in writing the equations that represent the physical situation. It's important to note that, in a free-body diagram, only external forces are shown, and all the internal forces within the system are ignored, as these do not affect the overall balance of forces on the object being analyzed. Drawing a FBD can help you determine the net force, and it's a critical step in problem-solving related to forces, not the last step. Essential Knowledge 3.B.2 emphasizes the utility of free-body diagrams in visualizing forces and computing equations based on those forces. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 'c) Treat each member in isolation for analysis.'