Answer: 12 N to the right
Explanation:
If we calculate the net force acting on the box, we will have:
In y-component:
[tex]Fy_{net}=F_{n}+F_{g}[/tex] (1)
Where [tex]F_{n}=12 N[/tex] is the Normal force, directed upwards and [tex]F_{g}=-12 N[/tex] is the weight of the box (gravity force), directed downwards.
[tex]Fy_{net}=12 N-12 N[/tex] (2)
[tex]Fy_{net}=0 N[/tex] (3) Hence the net force in the vertical component is zero
In x-component:
[tex]Fx_{net}=F_{left}+F_{right}[/tex] (4)
Where [tex]F_{left}=-3 N[/tex] and [tex]F_{right}= 15 N[/tex]
[tex]Fx_{net}=-3 N + 15 N[/tex] (5)
[tex]Fx_{net}=12 N[/tex] (6) This is the net force in the horizontal component
Therefore, the total net force acting on the box is 12 N directed to the right
