Final answer:
The work done against the gravitational force when carrying a 5.0-kg briefcase to the roof of the Empire State Building, a height of 380 m, is calculated using the work formula W = m × g × h, resulting in 19,600 J of work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the work done against the gravitational force on a 5.0-kg briefcase when it is lifted to the roof of the Empire State Building, at a height of 380 m. To calculate this work, we use the formula for work done against gravity, which is work (W) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g) × height (h). Plugging in the values, we get W = 5.0 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 380 m.
Carrying out the calculation:
W = 5.0 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 380 m = 18600 J
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 19,600 J.