A uniform ladder of length `L` and mass `m_(1)` rests against a frictionless wall. The ladder makes an angle `theta` with the horizontal. (a) Find the horizontal and vertical forces the ground exerts on the base of the ladder when a firefighter of mass `m_(2)` 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?

Explanation

To solve the problem step-by-step, we will break it down into two parts as specified in the question.

### Part (a): Finding the Horizontal and Vertical Forces

1. **Draw the Free Body Diagram (FBD)**:
- Draw the ladder resting against the wall at an angle θ.
- Mark the mass of the ladder (m₁) acting downwards at its center (L/2).
- Mark the weight of the firefighter (m₂) acting downwards at a distance x from the bottom of the ladder.
...