Equillibrium: torque and net force

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
2 replies · 1K views
henry3369
Messages
194
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://imgur.com/rWsNsmp

Homework Equations


net torque = 0
net force = 0

The Attempt at a Solution


Finding f1 was easy.
f1 = wladder + person = 885.92 N
Then the horizontal forces are also equal:
f2 = f3

Now net torque = 0 (I'm using moment arm because there is no angle given):
f3(3.8) = wladder(moment arm) + wperson(0.70)

I can't manage to figure out the moment arm. I'm not sure if 0.7 meters can be used because I think that is the moment arm for the force of the person only. No angles were given, all I know is that the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the center of mass of the ladder is 2 meters.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Svein said:
Oh, yes, they were (but indirectly). Length of ladder = 4m, vertical height of ladder = 3.8m.
Didn't think about it that way. Thanks!