Final answer:
When a runner maintains a constant velocity, the net force acting on the runner is equal to zero.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a runner with a mass of 52 kg maintains a constant velocity of 7 m/s, we can use Newton's second law of motion to determine the net force acting on the runner. Since the runner is not accelerating, the net force is equal to zero. The net force is given by the product of the runner's mass and the acceleration:
Net force = mass × acceleration
Since the runner is not accelerating, the net force is zero:
0 = 52 kg × acceleration
Solving for acceleration, we find:
acceleration = 0 m/s²
Therefore, the runner does not exert any force to maintain a constant velocity.