A uniform ladder 10.0m long and weighing 50.0N rests against a smooth vertical wall. If the ladder is just on the verge of slipping when it makes a 50 degree angle with the ground, find the coefficient of static friction between the ladder and ground.

Answer 1

The coefficient of static friction is equal to the ratio of the normal force to the force of gravity.

Normal force = 50.0N * cos(50°) = 43.3N

Force of gravity = 50.0N * sin(50°) = 43.3N

Coefficient of static friction = 43.3N / 43.3N = 1.0