This simulation uses Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) to model the problem of a ladder leaning against a wall. The standard (textbook) statement of this problem assumes that there is no frictional force between the wall and the ladder, but a frictional force between the ground and the ladder. In the simulation you can set
θ0 , μstatic , and μkinetic ,
as long as:
μstatic > μkinetic and μkinetic > 0 .
There are two possibilities for this problem:
The Static Case: In this case the force of static friction is large enough to maintain equilibrium and the ladder does not move. This condition amounts to:
tan (θ0) ≥ 1/(2μstatic) .
The Dynamic Case: In this case the force of static friction is not large enough to maintain equilibrium and the ladder moves. This condition amounts to:
tan (θ0) < 1/(2μstatic) .
In this case the frictional force now is the force of kinetic friction, μkineticN.