To find the minimum applied force required to slide the book, we can use the formula for static friction:
\[ f_{s} = \mu_s \cdot N \]
where:
- \( f_{s} \) is the force of static friction,
- \( \mu_s \) is the coefficient of static friction,
- \( N \) is the normal force.
Given:
- \( \mu_s = 1.2 \)
- \( N = 38 , \text{N} \)
Now we can calculate the force of static friction:
\[ f_s = 1.2 \cdot 38 , \text{N} = 45.6 , \text{N} \]
The minimum applied force required to overcome static friction and start sliding the book is equal to the force of static friction, which is approximately 46 newtons.
Thus, the correct answer is:
B. 46 newtons