As a hiker descends a hill, the work done by gravity on the hiker is
A) positive and depends on the path taken.
B) negative and depends on the path taken.
C) positive and independent of the path taken.
D) negative and independent of the path taken.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The work done by gravity on the hiker as they descend is positive because the force of gravity and the direction of motion (downhill) are in the same direction. This work is independent of the path taken because gravitational force is a conservative force, meaning the work done by or against it only depends on the initial and final positions, not the path between them.

As a Hiker Descends a Hill, the Work Done by Gravity