Final answer:
The upward force exerted by the pole on the firefighter is approximately 1355.3 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the upward force exerted by the pole on the firefighter, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. In this case, the net force on the firefighter is equal to the upward force exerted by the pole minus the downward force of gravity.
Using the formula F = ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration, we can rearrange the formula to solve for the upward force:
F = ma + mg
F = (97 kg)(4.2 m/s²) + (97 kg)(9.8 m/s²)
F = 404.7 N + 950.6 N
F = 1355.3 N
Therefore, the upward force exerted by the pole on the firefighter is approximately 1355.3 N. The correct answer is (c) 1355.3 N.