Gravitational potential energy gain equals mgh with vertical height

Steps:

• Identify formula for gravitational potential energy: ΔPE = mgh, where h is vertical rise.
• Use given values: mass m = 100 kg, g = 10 m/s², vertical height h = 50 m.
• Calculate: ΔPE = 100 × 10 × 50 = 50,000 J.
• Confirm units: joules (kg·m²/s²).

Why C is correct:

• Matches ΔPE = mgh formula, using vertical height of 50 m, not incline distance.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Underestimates by factor of 10, possibly dividing height by 10 erroneously.
• B: Uses height of 20 m instead of 50 m, halving the correct value.
• D: Applies incline length (200 m) as height, ignoring vertical component.

Final answer: C