Question

. an 800-n man stands halfway up a 5.0 m ladder of negligible weight. the base of the ladder is 3.0 m from the wall as shown. assuming that the wall-ladder contact is frictionless, what is the force of the wall pushing against the ladder?

Answer 1

The force of the wall pushing against the ladder is approximately 400 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the force exerted by the wall on the ladder, we need to consider the equilibrium of forces acting on the ladder. The vertical forces must balance, meaning the upward force exerted by the wall must counteract the downward force of the man and the ladder's weight. Using the torque equation, we find that the force exerted by the wall is half the weight of the man and the ladder, resulting in a force of approximately 400 N.

The principles of static equilibrium in physics, particularly in scenarios involving ladders and walls. Understanding how forces and torques balance is crucial in analyzing the stability of objects in various situations.

Answer 2

The force of the wall pushing against the ladder is determined as 480 N.

How to calculate the force of the wall?

The force of the wall pushing against the ladder is calculated by applying the following formula.

T = mg sinθ

where;

• m is the mass of the man
• g is acceleration due to gravity
• θ is the angle of inclination of the ladder against the all

The weight of the man is given as;

W = mg

T = W sinθ

The angle of inclination of the ladder is calculated as follows;

sin θ = opposite leg / hypothenuse side

sin θ = 3 m / 5 m

sin θ = 3/5

The force of the wall pushing against the ladder is calculated as;

F = W sin θ

F = 800 N x (3/5)

F = 480 N