- #1
jonathng
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Homework Statement
A ladder is made in the shape of the letter A. Treat the two sides of the ladder as identical uniform rods, each weighing 455 N, with a length of 3.60 m. A frictionless hinge connects the two ends at the top, and a horizontal wire, 1.20 m long, connects them at a distance 1.40 m from the hinge, as measured along the sides. The ladder rests on a frictionless floor. What is the tension in the wire?
Homework Equations
Sum of the forces=0
Sum of the torques=0
The Attempt at a Solution
I understand that the ladder can be treated as two separate poles since they are symmetrical. I am just confused as to how to solve it without knowing what the angle is. I tried taking the weight times length (lever arm?) and having that be equal to the tension and the answer I got was 1365N which was incorrect. Any suggestions? Thanks!