A ladder leans against a slick wall (zero friction) with the foot of the ladder on level ground with a coefficient of friction of 0.06. The greatest angle from the vertical possible without the ladder slipping is: ? how would I set up this problem?
draw the diagram. force friction is inward at the base.
The veritical wall supplies a force only perpenicular F, and the ground supplies an upward force.
Assume the weight of the ladder is at midlevel, and is W.
sum vertical forces: W=upwardforce at base
friction force then=.06W
Sum horizonal forces:F=.06W
Now sum moments about the base:
W*L/2*sinTheta=F*(L/2)cosTheta
TanTheta=F/W=.06
theta=arctan.06
check my thinking.