Minimum Angle for 100-N Ladder Against Wall

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To determine the minimum angle for a 100-N ladder resting against a smooth vertical wall, the sum of forces and torques must be zero, indicating static equilibrium. The ladder's uniformity allows for analysis using its midpoint. Torque calculations should focus on the points of contact with the wall and floor, ensuring each torque equals zero. Additionally, basic trigonometric principles will aid in finding the angle. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


A 100-N uniform ladder, 8.0m long, rests against a smooth vertical. The coefficient of static friction between ladder and floor is 0.40. What minimum angle can the ladder make with the floor before it slips?

The Attempt at a Solution



Not really sure where to start here. I do know since they told us the ladder is uniform, that i can somehow use the middle of the ladder as something. The sum of torques must be zero if the ladder isn't moving as well. But not quite sure what to do. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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the sum of all forces is also zero if the ladder isn't moving (friction + normal force+gravitional force(=weight))
so you have two basic conditions:
1)sum of all forces is zero
2)as you said , the sum of torques is also zero

you will calculate the torque(? moment of force) in the point where it touches the wall, and in the point where it touches the floor, and each of those equal zero ( here you will use the middle of ladder) actually it is probably necessary to calculate it around one of this points...

and at the end some elementary trigonometrics...

i am sorry, if I used some of the terms incorrectly, english is not my mother tongue, so...
and I apologize for any physics mistake in the above text, I am just a benevolent student
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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