Force at point A and E (Static Equilibrium)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the forces at points A and E of a static A-frame ladder used to change a light bulb. The user initially calculated the forces at point A as 1220.38 N and at point E as 928.58 N, but later found a different result of 129.6 N at point A. Participants suggest drawing a free body diagram and emphasize the importance of consistent angle calculations to avoid discrepancies. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in calculations and reasoning to arrive at accurate force values. Accurate force determination is crucial for understanding the static equilibrium of the ladder setup.
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a man is trying to fix the light bulb at the top of his house ceiling.to reach the bulb,he is using a stepladder that is in equilibrium state.sides AC and CE are each 9.0 m long and hinged at C.Bar BD is attached with a rod that is 3.0 m long,halfway up.The man who is climbing 5.0 m along the ladder (AC) is 67 kg in weight.Assume that the floor is frictionless and the mass of the ladder is negligible.
Find the forces at points A and E.
 
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Welcome to PF;
Good question - I take it this is an A-frame ladder?
What have you tried so far?
 
yes with bar in the middle. I get 1220.38 N at point A and 928.58 N at point E.I also tried other calculation which i get 129.6 N at point A
 
That's neet - so which one is right?
I cannot tell unless you show me your working + your reasoning.
 
first draw free body diagram and find angle and stuff so
at point A
9(Fna sin 19.47)=4(mg cos 70.53) + 4.5(Fb cos 19.47)
9(Fna sin 19.47)=875.4 N + 2785.74 N
Fna=1220.38 N

but I'm not sure.the other calculation is pretty much the same but with different angle and get 129.6 N
so what did you get at point A?
overall i did 3 calculations all with different answers.please help me
 
Is Fna is the magnitude of the force at point A, normal to side AC
Is Fb the total force at point B?
What happened to the force at point C?
Which angle is 19.47deg?

... I cannot see your reasoning.

Note: you don't need to calculate any angles to do this problem - and your end result will be more accurate if you don't.

eg. let's call the angle ∠ACE is β, then cos(β)=1/3, sin(β)=(√2)/3
Each time you need a cosine of that angle, just write in 1/3.
 
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