1K10.20 Forces on a Ladder

The ladder for this demonstration was stolen from the physics building.
PURPOSE: To demonstrate the forces on a person climbing a ladder.

DESCRIPTION: 15' "frictionless" ladder (wheels on wall, slippery shoes on floor) leaned against lecture hall wall. Victim (Joe Meyer) climbs ladder and leans over center of mass. (Ladder slips). This is repeated until the ladder slides most of the way down the wall.

SETUP TIME: 5 min.

COMPONENT LIST:

    


  1. Ladder with wheels and shoes				STOLEN

SUGGESTIONS: Have helpers ready to catch the ladder in case the victim cannot stand up quickly enough. This is a fairly risky demonstration, so BE CAREFUL. Not for the faint of heart. There are "records" marked on the far wall of Lecture Hall 1. Try to meet or beat our low-lying best!

REFERENCES: PIRA 1K10.20

OTHER NOTES: