Air resistance dominates when it causes deceleration

Steps:

• Identify graph regions: velocity increases initially (free fall), plateaus at terminal velocity, then decreases after parachute opens.
• Recall net force: downward acceleration when weight > air resistance; zero at terminal velocity; upward (deceleration) when air resistance > weight.
• Locate deceleration region on graph: where velocity decreases sharply.
• Match to option C, the post-parachute phase.

Why C is correct:

• In C, velocity decreases, so net force is upward per Newton's second law (F_net = ma, a negative), meaning air resistance > weight.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Velocity increases rapidly, so weight >> air resistance (initial free fall).
• B: Velocity approaches constant (terminal), so air resistance ≈ weight.
• D: Likely steady or increasing velocity, so air resistance ≤ weight.

Final answer: C