What is the minimum coeffecient of static friction μmin required between the ladder and the ground so that the ladder does not slip?

Consider a system to be two train cars traveling toward each other. what is the total momentum of the system before the train cars collide?   kg • what must the total momentum of the system be after the train cars collide?   kg •  

Asolid cylinder and a cylindrical shell have the same mass, same radius, and turn on frictionless, horizontal axles. the cylindrical shell has light-weight spokes connecting the shell to the axle. a rope is wrapped around each cylinder and tied to blocks of equal masses that are held the same height above the ground. both blocks are released simultaneously. the ropes do not slip. which block hits the ground first? or is it a tie?

How does an observation about an object differ from an inference about that object