Under which of the following conditions can a ladder standing on a frictionless horizontal floor and leaning against a rough vertical wall be in equilibrium?
A)The normal force exerted by the floor on the ladder equals the normal force the wall exerts on the ladder.
B)The weight of the ladder is equal in magnitude to the frictional force the wall exerts on the ladder.
C)A ladder in this situation cannot be in equilibrium.
D)The normal force exerted by the floor on the ladder equals the weight of the ladder.
E)The normal force exerted by the floor on the ladder equals the frictional force the wall exerts on the ladder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A ladder cannot be in equilibrium on a frictionless horizontal floor when leaning against a rough vertical wall because there is no frictional force at the base to prevent it from sliding. The friction at the wall alone cannot provide the necessary force to counteract the tendency of the ladder to slide away at the base.

Under Which of the Following Conditions Can a Ladder Standing