The given situation can be shown as:
NB = Force exerted on the ladder by the floor point B
NC = Force exerted on the ladder by the floor point C
T = Tension in the rope
BA = CA = 1.6 m
DE = 0. 5 m
BF = 1.2 m
Mass of the weight, m = 40 kg
Draw a perpendicular from A on the floor BC. This intersects DE at mid-point H.
ΔABI and ΔAIC are similar
BI = IC
Hence, I is the mid-point of BC.
DE || BC
BC = 2 × DE = 1 m AF =
BA – BF = 0.4 m … (i)
D is the mid-point of AB.
Hence, we can write:
AD=12×BA=0.8m ...(ii)
Using equations (i) and (ii), we get:
FE = 0.4 m
Hence, F is the mid-point of AD.
FG||DH and F is the mid-point of AD. Hence, G will also be the mid-point of AH.
ΔAFG and ΔADH are similar
∴FGDH=AFADFGDH=0.40.8=12FG=12DH=12×0.25=0.125m
In ΔADH:
AH=√AD2−DH2=√(0.8)2−(0.25)2=0.76m
For translational equilibrium of the ladder, the upward force should be equal to the
downward force.
NC+NB= mg = 392 … (iii)
For rotational equilibrium of the ladder, the net moment about A is:
−NB×BI+mg×FG+NC×CI+T×AG−T×AG=0−NB×0.5+40×9.8×0.125+NC×(0.5)=0(NC−NB)×0.5=49NC−NB=98
Adding equations (iii) and (iv), we get:
NC=245NNb=147N
For the rotational equilibrium of the side AB, consider the moment about A.
−NB×BI+mg×FG+T×AG=0−245×0.5+40+9.8×0.125+T×0.76=00.76T=122.5−49∴T=96.7N