Final answer:
The mass of the box can be determined by calculating the net force and then using Newton's Second Law to find mass. The net force is 25N, and hence the mass of the box is approximately 14.71 kg, with the closest answer being 15 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question concerns the calculation of the mass of a box based on known values of force, friction, and acceleration. This falls under the subject of Physics, specifically involving Newton's Second Law of Motion which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma). To find the mass of the box, we start by determining the net force acting on it. The net force is the difference between the applied force and the force of friction. Once the net force is found, we use it along with the acceleration to calculate the mass.
To calculate the net force, we subtract the frictional force from the applied force:
Net Force = Applied Force - Frictional Force
Net Force = 30N - 5N
Net Force = 25N
Using Newton's Second Law (F=ma), we can solve for mass (m) as follows:
m = Net Force / Acceleration
m = 25N / 1.7 m/s^2
m = 14.71 kg
The closest answer to this calculated mass is option (c) 15 kg.