Question

A uniform stationary ladder of length L = 4.2 m and mass M = 19 kg leans against a smooth vertical wall, while its bottom legs rest on a rough horizontal floor. The coefficient of static friction between floor and ladder is μ = 0.38. The ladder makes an angle θ = 53° with respect to the floor. A painter of mass 8M stands on the ladder a distance d from its base.

a. Find the magnitude of the normal force N, in newtons, exerted by the floor on the ladder.

b. Find an expression for the magnitude of the normal force N_W exerted by the wall on the ladder.

c. What is the largest distance up the ladder d_max, in meters, that the painter can stand without the ladder slipping?

Answer 1