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mybrohshi5
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Homework Statement
A painter is statically at rest on a ladder leaning against a wall. The painter argues that the force on the painter by the ladder must be equal and opposite to the force of gravity on the painter by the Earth. Evaluate the painters argument.
The Attempt at a Solution
the answer is: Newton's first law can be used to demonstrate the the painter is correct.
I agree with this but i also believe it should be Newtons third law too because that law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction right?
Is Newtons third law not used to to demonstrate that the painter is correct because the question states "the force on the painter by the ladder must be equal and opposite to the force of gravity on the painter by the earth." If it would have stated "the force on the painter by the ladder must be equal and opposite to the force on the ladder by the painter." then would Newtons third law be used to demonstrate he is correct?
But the thing is i thought the force on the ladder by the painter is the force of gravity on the painter by the earth, and that is why i think Newtons third law should be used as well.
Thanks for any input on this :)