Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 9 - Static Equilibrium; Elasticity and Fracture - Questions - Page 250: 7

Answer

When the person stands on the ladder near the top, the ladder is more likely to slip.

Work Step by Step

See the diagram. The weight of the person pushing down on the ladder produces a clockwise torque around the ladder’s contact point with the ground, with the lever arm that is shown. The closer the person is to the top of the ladder, the longer the lever arm and the larger the torque.
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