Final Answer:
The forces acting upon the skydiver in this situation are gravitational force and air resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In free fall, a skydiver experiences two main forces: gravitational force and air resistance. Gravitational force, represented by the weight of the skydiver, pulls them toward the center of the Earth. This force is constant and always acts vertically downward. The formula for gravitational force (F_gravity) is given by F_gravity = m * g, where 'm' is the mass of the skydiver and 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²).
Simultaneously, the skydiver experiences air resistance, which opposes their motion and increases with speed. Air resistance is proportional to the square of the velocity and is given by the formula F_air = 0.5 * C * ρ * A * v², where 'C' is the drag coefficient, 'ρ' is the air density, 'A' is the cross-sectional area, and 'v' is the velocity of the skydiver. At a constant speed, the force of air resistance equals the gravitational force, creating a dynamic equilibrium and preventing further acceleration.
In summary, during a constant-speed free fall, the gravitational force pulling the skydiver downward is balanced by the upward force of air resistance. This balance results in a steady fall without acceleration. Understanding these forces is crucial for predicting and controlling the motion of a skydiver during descent.