Answer
given,
mass of hiker = 55 Kg
elevation at start, h₁ = 1600 m
elevation at top , h₂ = 3100 m
a) change in potential energy
[tex]\Delta P = m g (h_2 - h_1)[/tex]
[tex]\Delta P = 55 \times 9.8 \times (3100-1600)[/tex]
[tex]\Delta P = 55 \times 9.8 \times 1500[/tex]
ΔP = 808500 J
b) The minimum work required by the hiker will be equal to the change in potential energy.
The minimum work done
W = Δ PE
= 808500 J
c) Yes, work done can be more than this because hiker will exert more force to balance the force due to gravity.
