- #1
infke
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Hello, let me start with saying this is not homework but rather a question I have asked myself and cannot seem to solve.
Basically this:
If a ladder is standing against a wall (both in a 90° corner with the ground) and falls over, what is the approximate speed of the highest point of the ladder as it hits the ground? The only force you should take note of is the gravitational acceleration. Because of the state of the ladder it shouldn't move according to the laws of physics but let's assume you give it a neglectable push to start the movement. You can also assume that the part touching the ground does not move.
The problem with this is that you don't have a linear acceleration. It varies anywhere from 0 to g (9.81m/s²) and I have no idea how to solve this correctly.
The distance (x) the highest point has traveled over is
x = r * ∏/2
with r being the length of the ladder
Also the acceleration along the y curve on any given point A on the x curve smaller than r
a = g * cos ( A / r )
Because the acceleration is not linear I did not find a correct way to calculate my question.
Homework Statement
Basically this:
If a ladder is standing against a wall (both in a 90° corner with the ground) and falls over, what is the approximate speed of the highest point of the ladder as it hits the ground? The only force you should take note of is the gravitational acceleration. Because of the state of the ladder it shouldn't move according to the laws of physics but let's assume you give it a neglectable push to start the movement. You can also assume that the part touching the ground does not move.
The problem with this is that you don't have a linear acceleration. It varies anywhere from 0 to g (9.81m/s²) and I have no idea how to solve this correctly.
Homework Equations
The distance (x) the highest point has traveled over is
x = r * ∏/2
with r being the length of the ladder
Also the acceleration along the y curve on any given point A on the x curve smaller than r
a = g * cos ( A / r )
The Attempt at a Solution
Because the acceleration is not linear I did not find a correct way to calculate my question.
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