In the context of types of forces and free-body diagrams, resistance is a force that __________.

• A. always points toward the center of the Earth regardless of the situation
• B. is always equal in magnitude to the weight of the object
• C. opposes motion (or attempted motion) through a medium, acting opposite the object’s velocity
• D. always acts perpendicular to the surface of contact between two objects

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that resistance force is a type of force that acts to oppose motion or attempted motion of an object through a medium, such as air or water.
2. Recall that resistance forces, like friction or drag, always act in the direction opposite to the velocity of the object, meaning they oppose the object's movement.
3. Recognize that resistance is not necessarily related to the weight of the object, so it is not always equal in magnitude to the object's weight.
4. Note that resistance does not always point toward the center of the Earth; that direction is characteristic of gravitational force.
5. Understand that resistance forces are generally not perpendicular to the surface of contact; instead, frictional resistance acts parallel to the surface, opposing motion along it.