HMS, BM EQ-Bank 957 MC

A swimmer pushes off from the pool wall and gradually slows down even without moving their arms or legs. This deceleration is primarily caused by:

Lift forces generated by the body's movement through water
Gravitational forces pulling the swimmer downward
Drag forces opposing the swimmer's forward motion
Buoyancy forces acting on the swimmer's body

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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution

C is correct: Drag forces run parallel to flow direction and oppose forward motion, causing deceleration as described.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Lift forces would assist movement, not cause deceleration.
B is incorrect: Gravity acts vertically and wouldn’t cause horizontal deceleration.
D is incorrect: Buoyancy forces act vertically to support flotation, not horizontally.