Final answer:
The force pushing on the student at terminal velocity is equal to their weight, which can be calculated by multiplying their mass by the acceleration due to gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The strength of the force pushing on the student at terminal velocity can be found using Newton's second law, which states that force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration. At terminal velocity, the acceleration of the falling student is zero, so there is no net force acting on them. This means that the force pushing on the student is equal to their weight, which can be calculated by multiplying their mass (85 kg) by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).
Therefore, the force pushing on the student is:
Force = mass x acceleration due to gravity = 85 kg x 9.8 m/s² = 833 N
So the correct answer is a. 834 N.