Question

Is your increase in gravitational potential energy the same in both cases? When Climbing a mountain on a zigzag path and on a straight path

Answer 1

The increase in gravitational potential energy is the same in both cases

Step-by-step explanation:

It is easier to climb a mountain in a zigzag way rather than climbing on a straight line but since the distance is the same ( vertical height ) , mass and gravity is the same. Hence the increase in gravitational potential energy is the same in both cases.

gravitational potential energy = mgh ( same in both cases )

m = mass

g = acceleration due to gravity

h = distance ( vertical height )