Ladder with 2 forces of friction and a person climbing (statics)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a statics problem involving a uniform ladder of mass m and length L, resting against a frictionless wall at an angle θ. The goal is to determine how far a person of mass m can climb before the ladder begins to slide, utilizing equations for friction, torque, and forces. Key equations include the static friction condition f(friction)≤μN(normal force) and torque calculations t(torque)=r(moment arm)Fsinθ. The final expression for the distance x along the ladder is x=L(3/2-2(1-μ/tanθ)/(1+μ²)).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium and forces
  • Knowledge of torque and its calculation
  • Familiarity with friction coefficients and their implications
  • Ability to manipulate trigonometric functions in physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in physics
  • Learn about torque and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the effects of friction in various materials and surfaces
  • Investigate the role of angles in force calculations and their impact on stability
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of static systems, particularly in the context of forces and friction in real-world applications.

natasha13100
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1. Homework Statement
A uniform ladder of mass m and length L rests against the wall as shown. The wall is frictionless. The coefficient of static friction between the floor and the ladder is μ. The ladder makes the angle θ with the wall. How far along the ladder can a person of mass m climb before the ladder begins to slide?

2. Homework Equations
f(friction)≤μN(normal force)
t(torque)=r(moment arm)Fsinθ
G=mg

3. The Attempt at a Solution
FBD is attached

because the ladder is not moving
t=-mgLsinθ/2+NfLsinθ-μNfLcosθ-mg(L-x)sinθ=0
Fx=Nw-ff=0
Fy=Nf+fw-2mg=0

Solve t for Nf
NfLsinθ-μNfLcosθ=mgLsinθ/2+mg(L-x)sinθ
Nftanθ-μNf=mgtanθ/2+mg(L-x)tanθ/L
Nf=mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)

When θ is at its maximum without the ladder slipping, f=μN.
ff=μmg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)
Solve Fxfor Nw
Nw=μmg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)
Also fw=μ2mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)

Solve Fy for x.
mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)+μ2mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)-2mg=0
3/2-x/L=2(1-μ/tanθ)/(1+μ2)
x/L=3/2-2(1-μ/tanθ)/(1+μ2)
x=L(3/2-2(1-μ/tanθ)/(1+μ2))
 

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The wall is frictionless, so [STRIKE]ff=0[/STRIKE]. fw=0
Edit: It is fw that is zero
ehild
 
Last edited:
There is friction in the floor, so ff is not 0. However, fw should be 0 as the wall is frictionless.

Dr Peter Vaughan
BASIS Peoria Physics
 
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Okay, I feel really dumb. I mixed together this problem with the one below it when I was working. This is a lot easier.
Solve for Nf using Fy.
Nf=2mg
Solve for x using t.
-mg(L-x)sinθ-mgLsinθ/2+2mgLsinθ-2μmglcosθ=0
-mgxsinθ+mgLsinθ/2-2μmglcosθ=0
mgxsinθ=2μmglcosθ-mgLsinθ/2
xtanθ=2μL-Ltanθ/2
x=2μL/tanθ-L/2
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
It is correct now.

ehild
 
Where are you getting an angle to plug into your equations? The question just says that it touches the wall at angle theta.
 

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