# Frictional force require to balance leaning sticks

Here is the question (from Morin's Introduction to Classical Mechanics book):

One stick leans on another as shown in Fig. 2.21. A right angle is formed where they meet, and the right stick makes an angle $\theta$ with the horizontal. The left stick extends infinitesimally beyond the end of the right stick. The coefficient of friction between the two sticks is $\mu$. The sticks have the same mass density per unit length and are both hinged at the ground. What is the minimum angle $\theta$ for which the sticks don't fall?

My first approach to solving this problem was considering the intersection of the sticks to be the pivot point. Here, the force of friction would not apply, since it is a force on the pivot point. The only forces that apply would be the forces of gravity acting downward on the two sticks, which balance the torque out. However, the actual answer involves the coefficient of friction: $$(\tan{\theta})^{2} \ge \frac{1}{\mu}.$$

Obviously, my reasoning for this problem will not yield this answer, so I ask, where has my reasoning gone wrong?

• You had $1/u$ but stated the actual answer involves the coefficient of friction that you had previously denoted as $\mu$. Please confirm/deny my correction to your equation. Dec 9, 2014 at 3:06
• Yes, you are correct. Sorry about that. Dec 9, 2014 at 3:08
• Alright, I will attach that soon. Dec 9, 2014 at 3:10
• @user3904840: No worries, not all users are proficient in using Latex (the equation editor). Dec 9, 2014 at 3:10
• The figure is attached. Dec 9, 2014 at 3:13