Final answer:
When the forward force and backward force acting on a car are equal and opposite, the car's motion will either stay at a constant velocity or remain at rest, according to Newton's first law of motion. Statements are not given in the question but the correct answer is Newton's first law of motion, a body will not start moving until and unless an external force acts on it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is concerned with a situation where a car experiences a forward force and an opposing backward force, both of which are of equal magnitude. In this scenario, according to Newton's first law of motion, if these forces are balanced, meaning the net force acting on the car is zero, the car will either remain at rest or continue to move at a constant velocity without accelerating.
Since no other forces are acting on the car and the forward force from the engine is exactly equal to the backward force from friction and drag, the car is in a state of dynamic equilibrium. This means that if Meryn's car was already moving, it would continue to do so at the same speed and in the same direction, and if it was stationary, it would remain stationary.