Ladder with 2 forces of friction and a person climbing (statics)

In summary, the problem involves a uniform ladder resting against a frictionless wall, with a person climbing up the ladder. The coefficient of static friction between the floor and the ladder is given, and the question asks how far along the ladder the person can climb before it begins to slide. The solution involves setting up equations for the forces in the x and y directions, and solving for the normal force and the distance the person can climb before the ladder begins to slide. The final answer is x=2μL/tanθ-L/2.
  • #1
natasha13100
58
0
1. Homework Statement
A uniform ladder of mass m and length L rests against the wall as shown. The wall is frictionless. The coefficient of static friction between the floor and the ladder is μ. The ladder makes the angle θ with the wall. How far along the ladder can a person of mass m climb before the ladder begins to slide?

2. Homework Equations
f(friction)≤μN(normal force)
t(torque)=r(moment arm)Fsinθ
G=mg

3. The Attempt at a Solution
FBD is attached

because the ladder is not moving
t=-mgLsinθ/2+NfLsinθ-μNfLcosθ-mg(L-x)sinθ=0
Fx=Nw-ff=0
Fy=Nf+fw-2mg=0

Solve t for Nf
NfLsinθ-μNfLcosθ=mgLsinθ/2+mg(L-x)sinθ
Nftanθ-μNf=mgtanθ/2+mg(L-x)tanθ/L
Nf=mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)

When θ is at its maximum without the ladder slipping, f=μN.
ff=μmg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)
Solve Fxfor Nw
Nw=μmg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)
Also fw=μ2mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)

Solve Fy for x.
mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)+μ2mg(1/2+(L-x)/L)/(1-mu/tanθ)-2mg=0
3/2-x/L=2(1-μ/tanθ)/(1+μ2)
x/L=3/2-2(1-μ/tanθ)/(1+μ2)
x=L(3/2-2(1-μ/tanθ)/(1+μ2))
 

Attachments

  • man on ladder.png
    man on ladder.png
    5.3 KB · Views: 1,340
  • man on ladder 2.png
    man on ladder 2.png
    9.7 KB · Views: 1,079
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The wall is frictionless, so [STRIKE]ff=0[/STRIKE]. fw=0
Edit: It is fw that is zero
ehild
 
Last edited:
  • #3
There is friction in the floor, so ff is not 0. However, fw should be 0 as the wall is frictionless.

Dr Peter Vaughan
BASIS Peoria Physics
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #4
Okay, I feel really dumb. I mixed together this problem with the one below it when I was working. This is a lot easier.
Solve for Nf using Fy.
Nf=2mg
Solve for x using t.
-mg(L-x)sinθ-mgLsinθ/2+2mgLsinθ-2μmglcosθ=0
-mgxsinθ+mgLsinθ/2-2μmglcosθ=0
mgxsinθ=2μmglcosθ-mgLsinθ/2
xtanθ=2μL-Ltanθ/2
x=2μL/tanθ-L/2
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
  • #5
It is correct now.

ehild
 
  • #6
Where are you getting an angle to plug into your equations? The question just says that it touches the wall at angle theta.
 

FAQ: Ladder with 2 forces of friction and a person climbing (statics)

What is the purpose of studying a ladder with 2 forces of friction and a person climbing?

The purpose of studying this scenario is to understand the principles of statics, which is the study of objects at rest or in equilibrium. By analyzing the forces acting on the ladder and the person, we can determine whether the ladder is stable and safe for the person to climb.

What are the two forces of friction involved in this scenario?

The two forces of friction involved are the static friction between the ladder and the ground, and the kinetic friction between the ladder and the person's feet.

How does the weight of the person affect the forces on the ladder?

The weight of the person creates a downward force on the ladder, which increases the normal force between the ladder and the ground. This, in turn, increases the static friction force and helps to keep the ladder in place.

Can the person climb the ladder if the static friction is greater than the kinetic friction?

Yes, the person can climb the ladder if the static friction is greater than the kinetic friction. This means that the ladder will not slip while the person is climbing, as the static friction force will be greater than the force applied by the person's feet.

What other factors can affect the stability of the ladder?

Other factors that can affect the stability of the ladder include the angle of the ladder, the distribution of weight on the ladder, and any external forces acting on the ladder, such as wind or uneven ground. It is important to consider all of these factors when analyzing the safety of a ladder.

Back
Top