Final answer:
The mass of the box is determined by dividing the net force (45 N) by the acceleration (2.2 m/s²), which gives a mass of approximately 20.45 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mass of the box is determined using Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). In this scenario, there is a tension force pulling the box and a friction force opposing the movement. The net force acting on the box can be calculated by subtracting the friction force from the tension force (55 N - 10 N = 45 N). The acceleration of the box is given as 2.2 m/s². To find the mass of the box, we rearrange the equation to mass = net force / acceleration.
Therefore, the mass of the box is calculated as follows:
mass = net force / acceleration
mass = 45 N / 2.2 m/s²
mass ≈ 20.45 kg
Thus, the mass of the box is approximately 20.45 kilograms.