Chapter 11, Problem 11.66P

One end of a uniform meter stick is placed against a vertical wall (Fig. P11.66). The other end is held by a lightweight cord that makes an angle θ with the stick. The coefficient of static friction between the end of the meter stick and the wall is 0.40. (a) What is the maximum value the angle θ can have if the stick is to remain in equilibrium? (b) Let the angle θ be 15°. A block of the same weight as the meter stick is suspended from the stick, as shown, at a distance x from the wall. What is the minimum value of x for which the stick will remain in equilibrium? (c) When θ = 15°, how large must the coefficient of static friction be so that the block can be attached 10 cm from the left end of the stick without causing it to slip?