Final answer:
The maximum load a portable ladder can withstand cannot be established simply based on the options provided; it is determined by factors such as materials, design, and safety ratings. However, physics can be used to calculate the normal and frictional forces at the base of a ladder, as well as the force at the top, when it is placed against a wall in a static scenario.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum load a portable ladder can withstand cannot be determined from the options given. The strength of a ladder depends on various factors such as material construction, design, and the specific safety standards it adheres to. Each ladder is usually marked with its maximum load capacity, often denoted as the duty rating which represents the maximum safe combined weight of the user and materials. However, we can use physics principles to calculate forces on a ladder in a static situation.
For instance, when a person places a 6.00-m aluminum ladder against the house, physics can be used to determine the forces acting at the top and bottom of the ladder. By considering the weights and positions of the person and the ladder, as well as applying static equilibrium conditions (sum of forces equals zero, sum of torques equals zero), one can calculate the normal force and friction forces at the base and the force exerted by the wall at the top of the ladder.
In a hypothetical scenario involving a ladder propped against a wall without friction (like a plastic rain gutter), and given the weights and positions of the ladder and the climber, the magnitudes of the forces can be computed using the equilibrium conditions. It is crucial to ensure that the ladder is used within its specified load limits and at proper angles to avoid slipping or structural failure.