Affiliation:
1. Victoria, BC V9C 3Z1, Canada; mdenny53@gmail.com
Abstract
Three mechanical problems involving falling or slipping ladders are here analyzed. These problems are easy to envisage, and their solutions are an instructive exercise in Newtonian mechanics (specifically, rotational dynamics with constraints); they are of interest to teachers of physics because of the prominent role played by reaction forces. A physics student who understands the analysis of these ladder problems will have a good understanding of the application of Newton’s laws.
Publisher
American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
Subject
General Physics and Astronomy,Education
Reference9 articles.
1. Balloon and chain: An
instructive variable mass system;Eur. J.
Phys.,2021
2. The falling
stick with a > g;This introductory ladder problem is well
known; see, e.g;Phys. Teach.,2000
3. This problem utilizes most of the important introductory
laws [of mechanics] … and it is worth a substantial effort. The problem is tricky
(although not really complicated) so don’t be alarmed if the solution eludes
you,2014