| Exam Board | AQA |
|---|---|
| Module | M2 (Mechanics 2) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Session | June |
| Marks | 8 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Moments |
| Type | Ladder against wall |
| Difficulty | Standard +0.3 This is a standard M2 ladder equilibrium problem requiring a force diagram and resolving forces/moments. While it involves multiple steps (resolving horizontally/vertically, taking moments, finding friction coefficient), it follows a well-practiced routine with no novel insight required. The given information is straightforward and the method is textbook-standard, making it slightly easier than average. |
| Spec | 3.03u Static equilibrium: on rough surfaces3.04b Equilibrium: zero resultant moment and force3.04c Use moments: beams, ladders, static problems |
A uniform ladder $AB$, of length 6 metres and mass 22 kg, rests with its foot, $A$, on rough horizontal ground. The ladder rests against the top of a smooth vertical wall at the point $C$, where the length $AC$ is 5 metres. The vertical plane containing the ladder is perpendicular to the wall, and the angle between the ladder and the ground is $60°$. A man, of mass 88 kg, is standing on the ladder.
The man may be modelled as a particle at the point $D$, where the length of $AD$ is 4 metres.
The ladder is on the point of slipping.
\includegraphics{figure_7}
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Draw a diagram to show the forces acting on the ladder. [2 marks]
\item Find the coefficient of friction between the ladder and the horizontal ground. [6 marks]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA M2 2014 Q7 [8]}}