Minimum u to keep ladder from slipping

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The discussion revolves around calculating the required friction coefficient (u) for a ladder leaning against a frictionless wall, with a 15 kg mass and a 100 kg person standing 2/3 of the way up. The initial calculations yielded an incorrect friction coefficient of 1.38 instead of the correct value of 0.301. The error stemmed from misapplying trigonometric functions in the torque equation, specifically using cosine instead of sine for the angles involved. Clarification on the angle's orientation indicated that the ladder's 65-degree angle is with respect to the floor, impacting the torque calculations. Correcting the trigonometric functions resolved the discrepancy in the computed friction coefficient.
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I've read similar posts and have tried the problem several times but don't get the right answer.

Homework Statement


A uniform ladder with a mass of 15 kg leans against a frictionless wall at a 65 degree angle. Find the required friction coefficient (u) at the floor that will allow a 100kg person to stand 2/3 of the way up the ladder without slipping.

The answer is .301 but I get u is 1.38.


Homework Equations


t = r x f fg = 9.8 m


The Attempt at a Solution


Force of friction = force of wall

Normal force = fg of the ladder + fg of the person = 15*9.8 + 100*9.8 = 1127N

torque = 0 = torque of ladder + torque of person - torque of wall = 15*9.8*cos(25)*(1/2) + 100*9.8*cos(25)*(2/3) - (Force of wall)*cos(65)
I solved for Force of Wall to be 1558.7 N (I know that's wrong because it's supposed to be less than the normal force)

Force of friction = force of wall = 1558.7 = u*Fn = u*1127 u = 1.38



I think I messed up in the torque equation but I don't know exactly where. Help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Check your trig: Why are you using cos(25) to find the torque due to the weights?
 
Doc Al said:
Check your trig: Why are you using cos(25) to find the torque due to the weights?

Switching the cos and the sin gives the right answer. I guess i misunderstood the placement of the 65 degree angle
 
Nikita23 said:
I guess i misunderstood the placement of the 65 degree angle
I assume that the ladder is 65 degrees with respect to the floor--but it's not clearly specified in the problem statement.
 
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