Which statement is true regarding the forces acting in a steady state descent?

In a steady-state descent, the aircraft is in a controlled descent where the vertical and horizontal motions are stabilized, meaning all forces acting on the aircraft are balanced.

The statement that forward forces are equal to the sum of all rearward forces correctly reflects this condition. In a steady descent, the thrust from the engines (forward force) must exactly balance the drag (rearward force). This balance is crucial for maintaining a constant speed during the descent.

Regarding the other statements: when weight exceeds lift in a descent, the aircraft would be descending; however, the steady-state condition specifies the forces acting on the aircraft at equilibrium, not necessarily an imbalance as indicated in that statement. Lift being greater than weight would imply the aircraft is climbing or has a net upward force, which contradicts the scenario of descending. Lastly, having the throttle at maximum power is not typical in a steady descent, as typically, pilots would reduce power to allow for a controlled descent at a constant rate.