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Physics 1 Final - Part 3 of 4
SAMPLE

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15. Rotational Equilibrium / Equilibrium in 2D - Ladder Problems / Problem 10

A uniform beam of mass mm and length LL leans against a rough wall as shown below. The coefficients of static friction between the beam and the floor, and between the beam and the wall, are μf=0.50\mu_{f}=0.50 and μw=0.30\mu_{w}=0.30 , respectively. Assume the beam is on the verge of slipping and stability is ensured if θθmin\theta \geq \theta_{\min }, given by
Formula for minimum angle of equilibrium in ladder problems.
Calculate the true value of θmin\theta_{\min }. Then, assuming the wall is frictionless (μw=0\mu_{w}=0), the expected value of θmin is 45\theta _{\min }\text{ is }45^{\circ }. Determine the percentage error between the true value and the frictionless wall approximation.


Diagram showing a ladder leaning against a wall with forces acting on it.

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