Final answer:
The net force on the box is approximately 36.06 N. This can be calculated using vector addition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The net force on the box can be found by summing up the individual forces acting on it. In this case, Bob exerts a force of 30.0 N to the left, and Carol exerts a force of 20.0 N perpendicular to Bob's force. These forces can be represented as vectors, and the net force can be found by using vector addition.
We can use Pythagoras' theorem to find the magnitude of the net force. The magnitude of Bob's force is 30.0 N, and the magnitude of Carol's force is 20.0 N. The net force can be found using the equation: net force = √(30.0^2 + 20.0^2).
Calculating the magnitude of the net force gives us: net force = √(900 + 400) = √1300 ≈ 36.06 N.