Question

You are climbing a mountain. You have a few choices to reach to the top of the mountain. Which of the following way gives you larger change of the gravitational potential energy than other methods?

A. You walk along a small steep path.
B. You take the funicular directly to the top.
C. All the other options are equal because the change of your potential energy is only about the change of the height.
D. You drive a car along the road.
E. You take a helicopter to the top

Answer 1

Remember that change in potential energy is given by:

dPE = PEf - PEi

dPE = m*g*hf - m*g*hi

If we assume base of mountain as a reference point, than

hi = 0, So

dPE = m*g*hf

hf = height of mountain from base (Constant)

m = mass of you (Constant)

g = acceleration due to gravity (Constant)

So,

dPE = Constant

Correct option is C.

All the other options are equal because the change of your potential energy is only about the change of the height.

Let me know if you've any query.