A ladder is resting with one end on a vertical wall and the other end on a horizontal floor. Is it more likely to slip when a man stands near the bottom or near the top?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

For this we are going to count the torque about COM.

Now, when the guy stands near top

(outside of plane of paper).

Hence, he is more likely to slip down.

Now, if he stands near the bottom,

(inside of plane of paper).

So, he will less likely slip down.