Final answer:
Gravitational work is calculated using the formula W = m × g × h. Plugging in the values for mass, gravitational acceleration, and height, we determine the work required to hoist the flag is 11.8 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how much work is required to hoist a 0.24-kg flag a vertical distance of 5.0m. To solve this, we use the formula for gravitational work, which is Work (W) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g) × height (h). Since the gravitational acceleration is approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth, we plug in the values: W = 0.24 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 5.0 m. Doing the calculation gives us W = 0.24 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 5.0 m = 11.76 J, which we round to 11.8 J. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 11.8 J.