91962_08_s18_p0725-0778 6/8/09 4:15 PM Page 740

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*18–20. The 30-lb ladder is placed against the wall at an A

angle of u = 45° as shown. If it is released from rest,
determine its angular velocity at the instant just before
u = 0°. Neglect friction and assume the ladder is a uniform
slender rod.

Kinetic Energy and Work: Referring to Fig. a,

(vG)2 = v2rG>IC = v2(4)

8 ft u
B
The mass moment of inertia of the ladder about its mass center is
a b A 82 B = 4.969 slug # ft2. Thus, the final kinetic energy is
1 1 30
IG = ml2 =
12 12 32.2

1 1
T2 = m(vG)2 2 + IGv2 2
2 2

a b C v2 (4) D 2 + (4.969)v2 2
1 30 1
=
2 32.2 2

= 9.938v2 2

Since the ladder is initially at rest, T1 = 0. Referring to Fig. b, NA and NB do no

work, while W does positive work. When u = 0°, W displaces vertically through a
distance of h = 4 sin 45° ft = 2.828 ft. Thus, the work done by W is

UW = Wh = 30(2.828) = 84.85 ft # lb

Principle of Work and Energy:

T1 + ©U1 - 2 = T2

0 + 84.85 = 9.938v2 2

v2 = 2.92 rad>s Ans.

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