The discussion centers on calculating the tension in a rope supporting a foldable step ladder weighing 150 N, positioned at an angle of 60° on ice. Participants emphasize the importance of equating torques around the ladder's pivots to determine static equilibrium, with the net torque being zero. The need for clear diagrams, specifically Free Body Diagrams (FBD), is highlighted as essential for visualizing forces and torques involved in the problem. The conversation stresses that providing initial attempts and identifying specific points of confusion are crucial for receiving effective assistance.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of static equilibrium, particularly in scenarios involving ladders and inclined surfaces.
Start with some diagrams (FBD). You aren't receive help until you show an honest effort has been made.engineerr said:Homework Statement: A foldable step ladder weighing 150 𝑁 is made of two halves connected by a pivot on top and
by a rope in the middle. The ladder is put on ice and its angle with the surface is 60°. What is
the tension of the rope?
Relevant Equations: net torque = zero
tried equating torques around the pivots of the ladder and equating them to zero but I'm not getting anywhere with that.
We can't help you unless you show us what you did. Just mentioning it is not enough. We have to know where you got stuck or what you did wrong.engineerr said:tried equating torques around the pivots of the ladder and equating them to zero but I'm not getting anywhere with that.