Final answer:
The maximum intended load of a ladder is designed to include the user and any equipment, and this term should not be confused with the combined weight at any given moment. In ladder safety and statics problems, such as calculating forces at the top and bottom of a ladder, the weight of the user and ladder as well as their positions are critical variables.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the combined weight of people and equipment on a ladder is called the "maximum intended load" is false. The maximum intended load refers to the total amount of weight a ladder is designed to hold safely, which includes the user, along with any tools, materials, and other equipment. In the context of ladder safety, it's essential to keep in mind the maximum load to avoid overloading and potential accidents.
When considering a scenario where a ladder is involved, such as a person getting up on a roof, we need to consider the forces acting on the ladder. If a frictionless contact point is assumed with the house, the magnitudes of the forces at the top and bottom of the ladder would be determined by the interaction of the ladder's weight, the person's weight, and the moments around the pivot point. Static equilibrium principles would be applied to calculate these forces, considering the ladder's center of mass and the position of the person on the ladder.