Final answer:
It takes more energy for Forrest Gump to run uphill than downhill at a constant speed because going uphill involves an increase in gravitational potential energy, requiring more effort to work against gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the question of whether it takes more or less energy for Forrest Gump to run uphill or downhill at a constant speed of 3 m/s, the correct answer is a) More energy uphill because of the increase in potential energy. When running uphill, Forrest would be working against the force of gravity, increasing his gravitational potential energy. This requires more energy compared to running on a flat surface. In contrast, running downhill would involve a decrease in potential energy, as gravity aids in the motion, thus requiring less energy output to maintain speed.
Gravitational potential energy is a key concept in physics that explains why moving against gravity requires more effort. As an object is raised in altitude, its potential energy increases and so does the work required to lift it against the gravitational force. Conversely, as an object descends, the potential energy decreases, and less effort is required for its motion downhill.