see this figure:
http://tuhsphysics.ttsd.k12.or.us/Tutorial/NewIBPS/PS9/9-63.JPG
when the ladder slips, friction Fv*mu is just equal to the force horizontal.
Now sketch the figure on paper,
1) sum the moments about the base and set to zero.
2) sum horizontal forces and set to zero
3) sum vertical forces and set to zero.
You should have three equations, three unknowns, and can solve for mu.
uniform ladder 25 ft long rests against a smooth vertical wall. The ladder weighs 15 Kg. The lower end of the ladder is 15 ft from the wall. A man weighing 80 Kg climbs up the ladder until he is 20 ft from the base of the ladder, (20 ft of the ladder length not above the floor). At this point the ladder starts to slip. What is the coefficient of friction between the ladder and the floor?
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