Sure !
Start with Newton's second law of motion:
Net Force = (mass) x (acceleration) .
This formula is so useful, and so easy, that you really
should memorize it.
Now, watch:
The mass of the box is 5.25 kilograms, and the box is
accelerating at the rate of 2.5 m/s² .
What's the net force on the box ?
Net Force = (mass) x (acceleration)
= (5.25 kilograms) x (2.5 m/s²)
Net force = 13.125 newtons .
But hold up, hee haw, whoa ! Wait a second !
Bella is pushing with a force of 15.75 newtons, but the box
is accelerating as if the force on it is only 13.125 newtons.
What happened to the rest of Bella's force ? ?
==> Friction is pushing the box in the opposite direction,
and cancelling some of Bella's force.
How much ?
(Bella's 15.75 newtons) minus (13.125 that the box feels)
= 2.625 newtons backwards, applied by friction.
