Question

A skydiver falls toward the ground at a constant velocity. Which statement best applies Newton’s laws of motion to explain the skydiver’s motion?

An upward force balances the downward force of gravity on the skydiver.
The skydiver’s inertia is zero, which no longer allows for acceleration.
An unbalanced force pulls the skydiver toward the ground.
The mass of the skydiver is so great that there is no acceleration.

Answer 1

"An upward force balances the downward force of gravity on the skydiver."

Explanation: constant velocity means zero acceleration, so by Newton's second law the net force is zero. At terminal velocity air resistance (an upward force) equals the skydiver’s weight (downward), producing no net force.