Final answer:
The working length of a ladder is the distance between the foot and the top, and in physics, static equilibrium principles are used to analyze the stability of a ladder against a wall.
Step-by-step explanation:
The working length of a ladder is the distance between the foot and the top where the ladder rests. In physics, when examining a ladder against a wall, it is common to analyze the forces acting on the ladder to ensure stability, especially when considering the importance of a proper length to prevent slipping or toppling.
To ensure the ladder's stability, one must consider various forces such as the gravitational force due to the weight of the ladder and the person, the normal reaction at the base, and the static friction that prevents slipping. A key consideration is the ladder's inclination angle and the proper length away from the vertical structure it leans against.
In the scenario provided, the ladder's stability can be analyzed using the principles of static equilibrium. Here, the critical condition is that the sum of all torques about any pivot point must be zero for the ladder not to rotate. Assuming the base of the ladder as the pivot point, the sum of torques due to the person's weight, the ladder's weight, and the reaction forces at the wall and the base, need to be evaluated.