Dynamics of a sliding ladder leaning against a wall

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Oliveira, JB (Author) Other; Carvalho, PS (Author) FCUP; Mota, MF (Author) Other; Quintas, MJ (Author) Other; Maria de Fátima Mota (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Physics Education

Vol. 50

Pages: 329-334

ISSN: 0031-9120

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 5 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Physical sciences > Physics > Classical mechanics

FOS: Social sciences > Educational sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-D5W

DOI: 10.1088/0031-9120/50/3/329

Abstract (EN): This study is about the dynamics of a sliding ladder leaning against a vertical wall. The results are understood by considering the motion divided in two parts: (i) for 0 ¿t ¿ t<inf>s</inf> with one degree of freedom, and (ii) for t > t<inf>s</inf> with two degrees of freedom, where the separation is determined by the instance t<inf>s</inf>, when the ladder loses its contact with the wall. The observed experimental details are explained by appealing a simple model based on elementary notions of mechanics. We emphasize some features, such as a maximum of the x component of the velocity and of the acceleration of the centre of mass in the first part, and a minimum of the normal reaction force on the floor in the second. © 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific