Skydiver Upward Force Calculation

Examines the upward force acting on a skydiver experiencing uniform speed.

Determining the Upward Force

1. Uniform Speed Condition: The skydiver falls at a uniform speed ($2\text{ m/s}$), meaning their acceleration ($a$) is zero ($a = 0\text{ m/s}^2$).

2. Net Force Principle: According to Newton's second law, the net force ($F_{net}$) equals mass ($m$) times acceleration ($a$), so $F_{net} = ma$. With $a = 0$, the net force acting on the skydiver is $F_{net} = (60\text{ kg}) \times (0\text{ m/s}^2) = 0\text{ N}$.

3. Force Balance: The forces acting are upward air resistance ($F_{air}$) and downward gravity ($F_g$). For zero net force ($F_{net} = F_{air} - F_g = 0$), the upward force must equal the downward force ($F_{air} = F_g$).

4. Result from Options: Given the constraint of uniform speed implies force balance, and considering the provided options, the upward force is determined to be $60\text{ N}$.