Balancing Act: The Physics of a Slippery Ladder! The ladder leans against a rough wall, which can provide some friction, while the ground is smooth. Vertically, the forces balance: the ladder’s weight is supported by the ground and the wall’s friction. Horizontally, however, there’s only one force pushing the ladder away from the wall, and with no friction at the base to counter it, the ladder inevitably slides. #learning #science #facts #physics #ladder | vt.physics