Question

A skydiver is falling through the sky. Her speed increases, but she feels air resistance. Which way is her net force vector pointing?
A. Sideways
B. Up
C. Down
D. There is no net force acting on her.

Answer 1

Answer:  C

Explanation:

The forces at play, are gravity (which is pointing down[g]) and air resistance(which is pointing up [R]). The net force is [F] is

F = g + (-R) if we choose down as +tive and up as -tive.

Since the skydiver IS falling, it means g is bigger than F, since gi si responsible for pulling down, and this then confirms that the net force will then be pointing downwards.