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F = ma (11–17)
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FMA-2026-17 · 2026 F = ma (AAPT)

2026 F = ma Exam — Question 17

A ladder is leaning against a vertical wall. The ladder is a uniform rod of mass M and length L, and both the wall and the ground are frictionless. The ladder is released from rest from an almost-vertical position and begins to slide. What √ is the speed of the point of the ladder that is in contact with the floor when it is a horizontal distance 23L away from the wall? √
Source: Question 17, 2026 F = ma Exam, © 2026 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.