Final answer:
The problem requires calculating the normal reaction and friction forces at the base of a ladder based on the ladder's and person's weight distribution using static equilibrium principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The climbing side of a fixed ladder must be positioned away from any other objects to ensure safety and stability when climbing. However, the exact distance is not the focus of this physics problem relating to the forces on a ladder against a house. The specific problem here requires us to find the normal reaction and friction forces at the base of the ladder when a person is standing on it. To solve for the forces, we can use the concept of equilibrium and the sum of torques around a pivot point, typically the base of the ladder in this case.
First, we need to consider the weight of the ladder and the weight of the person as forces acting downward due to gravity. We set the sum of torques around the pivot point equal to zero because the ladder is in static equilibrium (not rotating). The torque due to the ladder's weight is its weight multiplied by the distance from the pivot point to its center of mass, and the torque due to the person's weight is their weight multiplied by the distance from the pivot point to where they are standing on the ladder.
Since the ladder is static, the sum of forces must also equal zero. The friction force opposes the downward and outward forces, and the normal reaction force acts perpendicular to the surface. Solving these equations will give the values of the normal and friction force required to keep the ladder in place.