In order to slide a huge box lying on the ground in her room, Reshma should apply a force which is greater than which of the following forces ?

The correct answer is Static friction.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Understanding Static Friction: When an object is at rest on a surface, the force that resists the initiation of sliding motion between two contacting surfaces is called static friction. It self-adjusts up to a maximum limit known as the limiting static friction.

2. Condition for Motion: To overcome the stationary resistance and make the box start sliding across the ground, the applied muscular force must exceed the maximum value of static friction acting between the bottom surface of the box and the floor.

3. Why Other Forces Are Incorrect:

- Gravitational force acts downward pulling the box toward the earth and does not directly resist horizontal sliding motion.

- Normal force acts perpendicular (upward) to the surface supporting the box, balancing gravity.

- Muscular force is the force applied by Reshma herself, not an opposing force she needs to exceed.

Therefore, to slide the box, Reshma must apply a force greater than the static friction.