A hiker raises a backpack from ground level to a ledge above the ground
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Work and Energy · Work and Energy
Problem
A hiker raises a 12kg backpack from ground level to a ledge 2.0m above the ground. Route 1 is a rope that lifts the pack straight up. Route 2 is a 4.0m long ramp that ends at the same ledge. Ignore friction on the ramp. Which of the following best describes the work done by Earth’s gravitational force on the backpack for the two routes?
(a) Earth’s gravitational work is smaller in magnitude on the ramp because the normal force partially cancels gravity along the incline.
(b) Earth’s gravitational work is larger in magnitude on the ramp because the backpack travels a longer distance.
(c) Earth’s gravitational work has the same magnitude for both routes because it depends only on the vertical change in height.
(d) Earth’s gravitational work is zero on both routes because the backpack starts and ends at rest.