A crate is sliding down an inclined ramp at a constant speed of 0.55 m/s.The vector sum of all the forces acting on this crate must point down the ramp.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the crate is sliding down the ramp at a constant speed, that means the net force acting on it is zero. Therefore, the vector sum of all the forces acting on the crate must be zero, not necessarily pointing down the ramp. In fact, the force of friction acting on the crate must be equal and opposite to the component of the weight force that is parallel to the ramp, which is what allows it to maintain a constant speed.

A Crate Is Sliding Down an Inclined Ramp at a Constant