Rotational Motion Force Question

[mits08]

hello all, I'm studying from my midterm and having some trouble figuring out the question below..thanks for the help

A uniform ladder of length L and mass m1 rests against a frictionless wall. the ladder makes an angle "theta" with the horizontal.

a) find horizontal and vertical forces the ground exerts on the base of the ladder when a firefighter of mass m2 is a distance x from the bottom.

b) if the ladder is just on the verge of slipping when the firefighter is a distance d from the bottom, what is the coefficient of static friction between ladder and ground?

 

[Oerg]

where are you stuck at? You should draw a free body diagram first.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Perhaps your problem is thinking that this has anything to do with rotational motion! As Oerg suggested, draw a "free body diagram" and then calculate the horizontal and vertical components of force at the top and bottom of the ladder.