As shown in Fig.7.40, the two sides of a step ladder BA and CA are 1.6 m long and hinged at A. A rope DE, 0.5 m is tied half way up. A weight 40 kg is suspended from a point F, 1.2 m from B along the ladder BA. Assuming the floor to be frictionless and neglecting the weight of the ladder, find the tension in the rope and forces exerted by the floor on the ladder. (Take `g = 9.8 m//s^(2)`)

Explanation

Consider the equilibrium of each side of the ladder separately.

Tension = `98 N, N_(B) = 245 N, N_(C) = 147 N`.