A ladder leans against a wall. If the ladder is not to slip, which one of the following must be true?
A) The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the wall must not be zero
B) The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the floor must not be zero
C) Both A and B
D) Either A or B
E) Neither A nor B

Question

A ladder leans against a wall. If the ladder is not to slip, which one of the following must be true? 
A) The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the wall must not be zero 
B) The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the floor must not be zero 
C) Both A and B 
D) Either A or B 
E) Neither A nor B

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order for the ladder to not slip, the force of friction between the ladder and the floor must be greater than or equal to the force of gravity acting on the ladder. Therefore, the coefficient of friction between the ladder and the floor cannot be zero. The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the wall is irrelevant in this scenario.

A Ladder Leans Against a Wall