Question

As a young man, Tarzan climbed up a vine to reach his tree house. As he got older, he decided to build and use a staircase instead. Since the work of the gravitational force mg is path independent, what did the King of the Apes gain in using stairs?

a) Decreased energy expenditure
b) Increased energy expenditure
c) No change in energy expenditure
d) Variable energy expenditure

Answer 1

Tarzan gained a decreased energy expenditure by using stairs instead of a vine.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tarzan gained a decreased energy expenditure by building and using stairs instead of climbing up a vine. This is because the work done by the gravitational force is path independent, meaning that it only depends on the initial and final positions. The work done to climb up the stairs is spread out over a longer time interval, allowing Tarzan to gradually exert his energy. On the other hand, climbing up a vine requires more energy expenditure as it involves a more dramatic and intense movement.