Question

Explain why it is easier to climb a mountain on a zigzag path rather than one straight up the side. Is your increase in gravitational potential energy the same in both cases? Is your energy consumption the same in both?

a) Zigzag path reduces energy consumption; potential energy increase is the same.
b) Zigzag path increases energy consumption; potential energy increase is greater.
c) Zigzag path reduces energy consumption; potential energy increase is greater.
d) Zigzag path and straight path have the same energy consumption and potential energy increase.

Answer 1

When climbing a mountain, taking a zigzag path reduces energy consumption while the increase in gravitational potential energy remains the same.

In conclusion, the correct answer is a) Zigzag path reduces energy consumption; potential energy increase is the same.

Step-by-step explanation:

When climbing a mountain, it is easier to take a zigzag path rather than a straight path up the side. This is because climbing straight up requires more effort as you are going directly against the force of gravity.

On the other hand, a zigzag path allows you to break up the climb into smaller, less steep sections, reducing the amount of energy required.

Although the increase in gravitational potential energy is the same in both cases - as it depends on the change in height - the energy consumption is different.

Climbing straight up requires more energy consumption due to the increased effort required, while the zigzag path reduces energy consumption by distributing the exertion over a longer distance.

In conclusion, the correct answer is a) Zigzag path reduces energy consumption; potential energy increase is the same.