Bruno1983
Apr14-09, 02:38 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A step ladder is moddelled as two model rods OA and Ab smoothly hinged at A. The other ends of the rods rest on a rough horizontal floor. The mass of rod AB is 4m and that of rod OA is m. The andle each rod makes with the vertical is theta. The origin is taken at O and the unit vectors i and j are defined as shown.
Here is a picture of the question
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/selah83/Q1.jpg
2. Relevant equations
Torque = position vector * Force
3. The attempt at a solution
Ok a) is drawing the force diagram Iv got that down I think
B) Express each for in terms of i and j (Iv got that)
F1 = Friction acting on O = lF1l i
F2 = Friction acting on B = - lF2l i
N1 = Normal Reaction of OA = lN1l j
N2 = Normal Reaction of AB = lN2l j
W1 = Weight of rod OA = -lw1l j
W2 = Weight of rod AB = -lw2l j
but is says hence obtain two scalar equations relating to the magnitude of the forces when the system is in equilibrium. and then find the torque of each force about O.
I really dont understand this any help much appreciated!
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution
A step ladder is moddelled as two model rods OA and Ab smoothly hinged at A. The other ends of the rods rest on a rough horizontal floor. The mass of rod AB is 4m and that of rod OA is m. The andle each rod makes with the vertical is theta. The origin is taken at O and the unit vectors i and j are defined as shown.
Here is a picture of the question
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/selah83/Q1.jpg
2. Relevant equations
Torque = position vector * Force
3. The attempt at a solution
Ok a) is drawing the force diagram Iv got that down I think
B) Express each for in terms of i and j (Iv got that)
F1 = Friction acting on O = lF1l i
F2 = Friction acting on B = - lF2l i
N1 = Normal Reaction of OA = lN1l j
N2 = Normal Reaction of AB = lN2l j
W1 = Weight of rod OA = -lw1l j
W2 = Weight of rod AB = -lw2l j
but is says hence obtain two scalar equations relating to the magnitude of the forces when the system is in equilibrium. and then find the torque of each force about O.
I really dont understand this any help much appreciated!
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution