A skydiver of mass 87 kg falls straight down. If air resistance exerts 355 N of force on him as he falls, what is the net force on the skydiver?

497.6 N

Explanation:

From the question,

The net force on the skydiver = weight of the skydiver - the resistive force of air

F' = W-F ... Equation 1

Where W = weight of the skydiver, F = resistive force of air.

But,

W = mg ... Equation 2

Where m = mass of the skydiver, g = acceleration due to gravity.

Substitute equation 2 into equation 1

F' = mg-F ... Equation 3

Given: m = 87 kg, F = 355 N, g = 9.8 m/s²

Substitute these values into equation 3

F' = 87 (9.8) - 355

F' = 852.6-355

F' = 487.6 N