# Ranking the Magnitude of forces

## Homework Statement

Rank the magnitude of Fn, Fg and Ff of a suitcase sliding down a slope at a constant speed

## The Attempt at a Solution

So if it's going down the slope at a constant speed then the sum of all forces is 0. so does that mean they're all equal?

Related Introductory Physics Homework Help News on Phys.org
ehild
Homework Helper
You should explain what Fn, Fg, Ff are under "relevant equations".

You are right: In case of constant velocity, their sum is zero. How can the sum of forces equal to zero if all are equal?

Also recall the forces are vectors. What are the directions of the individual forces Fn, Fg, Ff?

i think you mean by Fn: the normal force,Fg: gravititional force: and the Ff is due to friction

in an italic surface with constant speed the surface component of Fg is equal to Ff and so, the normal component to the surface of Fg is equal to Fn

so the ranking should depend on the slope of the surface

if you suppose that the angle of the surface is 0<z<90

when Z is less than 45 the ranking Fg>Fn>Ff
when Z is greater than 45 : Fg>Ff>Fn
when it is equal to 45 : Fg>Ff=Fn

haruspex
Homework Helper
Gold Member
i think you mean by Fn: the normal force,Fg: gravititional force: and the Ff is due to friction

in an italic surface with constant speed the surface component of Fg is equal to Ff and so, the normal component to the surface of Fg is equal to Fn

so the ranking should depend on the slope of the surface

if you suppose that the angle of the surface is 0<z<90

when Z is less than 45 the ranking Fg>Fn>Ff
when Z is greater than 45 : Fg>Ff>Fn
when it is equal to 45 : Fg>Ff=Fn
Please do not post solutions (except as alternative methods after a solution has already been posted by the thread originator). On homework forums, you should only post hints and point out mistakes.

Oops!

I am really sorry i didn't know that before.

i promise it will be the last. Thanks