Final answer:
The rubber band released horizontally by a student will follow a parabolic trajectory. Since the air resistance is negligible, the only force acting on the rubber band is gravity. Therefore, the rubber band will accelerate downward after it leaves the hands.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rubber band released horizontally by a student will follow a parabolic trajectory. Since the air resistance is negligible, the only force acting on the rubber band is gravity. Therefore, the rubber band will accelerate downward after it leaves the hands.
Therefore, the correct statement that BEST describes the motion of the rubber band is option D. The rubber band accelerates forward and downward after it leaves the hands.