question_answer

A man climbs a tall, old step ladder that has a tendency to sway. He feels much more unstable when standing near the top than when near the bottom. Why?

Answer:

                When the man stands at the top of step ladder it increases its distance from the point of contact, the point about which it can slip (rotate). The torque exerted is equal of \[rF\]. Hence larger the r, more are the chances to sway away.