Suppose you want to ride your mountain bike up a steep hill. two paths lead from the base to the top, one twice as long as the other. compared to the average force you would exert if you took the short path, the average force you exert along the longer path is 1. one third as much. 2. the same. 3. unable to determine; it depends on the time taken. 4. one half as much. 5. one fourth as much.

Explanation:

Assuming that both pathways are simple path without any obstacles. And let say that the friction force is negligible.

Since the upward distance are the same, the amount energy converted into potential energy should be the same. This is because the gain in potential energy is dependent on mass, gravitational force and height difference.

In this question, the height difference are the same regardless of pathways.

Therefore, the amount of work done = the amount of energy converted into potential energy

W = mgh

W= F x distance

F = W / distance

Since the height difference is the same (i.e vertical distance is equal), the Force will be equal too

im guessing the west of station b