Man on ladder wishes to avoid the ladder slipping

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    Slipping
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a ladder leaning against a wall, focusing on the forces acting on the ladder and the conditions necessary to prevent it from slipping. Participants explore the implications of friction between the ladder and the floor, as well as between the ladder and the wall.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a scenario involving a 6 m ladder weighing 350 N, positioned at a 30° angle, with a man weighing 900 N climbing it.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the current understanding and progress made on the problem.
  • A participant questions whether the 900 N weight is already at the top of the ladder, indicating uncertainty about the setup.
  • Multiple participants reference the equilibrium conditions: $\sum F_x = 0$, $\sum F_y = 0$, and $\sum \tau = 0$, suggesting a focus on force balance and torque.
  • One participant notes the presence of friction between the wall and the ladder, stating it is 0.20, which may affect the analysis.
  • A follow-up question is posed regarding the direction of the wall friction acting on the ladder, indicating a need for further exploration of the forces involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the initial conditions of the problem, particularly the placement of the man's weight. There is no consensus on the implications of the wall friction or its direction.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the forces acting on the ladder, particularly the role of friction and the configuration of the weights involved.

Joe_1234
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A 6 m ladder weighs 350N and is placed with its lower end on a horizontal floor and its upper end against the wall. The angle between the wall and the ladder is 30°. A man weighing 900N is to climb to the very top of the ladder. The coefficient of friction between the floor and the ladder to avoid the danger of slipping is?
 
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Can you show what you have so far so we know where you're stuck?
 
I have this diagram, but I'm not sure about this 900 N, on top of the ladder already?
 
$\sum F_x = 0$, $\sum F_y = 0$, and $\sum \tau = 0$

EC3D7510-DF2D-4271-A829-2C81102E0BDA.jpeg
 
skeeter said:
$\sum F_x = 0$, $\sum F_y = 0$, and $\sum \tau = 0$

View attachment 10283
I forgot there is friction between the wall and the
skeeter said:
$\sum F_x = 0$, $\sum F_y = 0$, and $\sum \tau = 0$

View attachment 10283
I forgot there is a friction between the wall and the ladder which is 0.20
 
Joe_1234 said:
I forgot there is a friction between the wall and the ladder which is 0.20

Which direction do you think the wall friction acts on the ladder?
 

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