Question

For a ladder to be considered in position and ready to use, its rungs and steps must be level and uniformly spaced. Ladder rungs and steps must not be spaced less than 10 inches apart or more than l4 inches apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, or steps.

Answer 1

To determine the normal reaction and friction forces on the ladder at its base, we consider the forces acting on the ladder. The normal reaction force is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the weight of the ladder and the person, while the friction force opposes the motion of the ladder.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the normal reaction and friction forces on the ladder at its base, we need to consider the forces acting on the ladder. The normal reaction force acts perpendicular to the surface of contact between the ladder and the ground, which is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the weight of the ladder and the person. The friction force acts parallel to the surface of contact and opposes the motion of the ladder.

To find the normal reaction force, we can sum the vertical forces acting on the ladder. Since the ladder is at equilibrium, the sum of the vertical forces must be zero. The normal reaction force and the weight of the ladder and the person are the only vertical forces present.

To find the friction force, we can sum the horizontal forces acting on the ladder. Since the ladder is at equilibrium, the sum of the horizontal forces must be zero. The friction force and the component of the weight of the ladder and the person parallel to the ground are the only horizontal forces present.