Homework Help: physics

Posted by heather on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 6:49pm.

If the coefficient of static friction is 0.350, and the same ladder makes a 64.0° angle with respect to the horizontal, how far along the length of the ladder can a 71.9-kg painter climb before the ladder begins to slip?
The same ladder is 46.7 Newtons in weight and 10.4 meters long.
I don't even know if you need all of the info. but if you could help me that would be amazing! Thank you... Have no idea where to start because I dont get the concept of torque.

physics - bobpursley, Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 8:49pm
I cant draw a figure here. Study this in detail, and adapt it to your question.
http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070627233531AADJUOx
physics - MathMate, Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 9:30pm
You do need all that information, and in addition, you need to know if the wall is a smooth wall or not. The question has not mentioned that the vertical wall is smooth, in which case the problem is more complicated, because if wall friction comes into play, you need to determine two cases: ground friction equals μRv first, or wall friction equals μRh.

Most problems of this type of complexity assume a smooth wall. Can you check the original problem and the figure?

Study the reference supplied by Mr. Pursley and you will have a better idea of how torque comes into play.
physics - heather, Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 11:22pm
It is a smooth wall. I just do not know what equations to use. My mind doesn't think physics. Its too complicated for me. Thank you. I still do not know what to do however.

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