Final answer:
The magnitude of the frictional force acting on the rubber sled is 36.0 newtons, equal and opposite to the pulling force, assuming it's moving with constant velocity on the ice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves understanding the forces acting on a sled moving on an ice surface. When a horizontal force is used to pull a sled on a horizontal surface, one of the main factors to consider is the frictional force acting on the sled. This force will oppose the motion, thus must be overcome by the pulling force for the sled to move. If the sled is moving with constant velocity, it means the net force acting on the sled is zero, so the frictional force must be equal and opposite to the pulling force.
In this specific case, a horizontal force of 36.0 newtons is used to pull the sled. Since there is no information about the sled accelerating, we can assume that it's moving with constant velocity. Therefore, the magnitude of the frictional force acting on the rubber sled must also be 36.0 newtons, as this would balance out the pulling force to maintain the constant velocity.