why is it easier to climb a mountain via zig zag trail than to climb straight up?

Answer 1

angle/slope

Answer 2

I had the same doubt. Lena cleared it. To put her answer in 'physics' language:

The work done in climbing both would be same. However, when you climb straight up, you do it in lesser time than going via a zig zag trail. That is, the power supplied in the former case is more than that in the latter. Hence, the result.
One might doubt if you climb straight up by taking the same amount of time, you will be required to supply same power as much will be required while going on a zig zag path. But, when the slope is steep the gravitational component acting behind you will be more than that when the slope were gentle. Work also needs to be done against this gravitational component acting backwards of you, which will be less in the latter case.

Answer 3

Well, steepness of the trail usually determines how easy it is to climb/walk it.
And, steepness is a ratio of height/length.
When you zig zag your way up the hill, or "circle" your way up, you are increasing the length of the trail without increasing the height, therefore you are making a more gradual slope up the mountain.
Thus, you make it easier by taking the zig zag trail...


BTW this is more of a geographical or mathematical question

Answer 4

It's simple physics. When you climb straight up you're covering the shortest possible distance to reach a particular height. That means each step you take must lift your body the maximum amount against gravity's pull. When you zig-zag, you're walking a path that runs diagonal to the straight path. You take more steps over a longer distance so the path seems gentler since each step lifts your body less and you expend less effort per step. Overall you've still changed your altitude by the same amount and you've done the same amount of work, but it's in more manageable pieces.

To make an analogy, when I garden I can either dig out a full shovelful of soil each time, or take half-shovels. Taking out full shovelsful means I dig fewer times but each is heavier, and pretty soon I'm really tired, not to mention probably starting with a backache, LOL!. But if I take just a half-shovel each time I'm well within my body's lifting capacity. It'll take me twice as many cuts to move the same amount of dirt but I'll be able to keep up the pace longer.

Answer 5

when climbing straight up the angle is very steep and dangerous. A zig-zag route is less steep, therefore less fatigueing and dangerous. It is longer but physically easier, less stressful.

Answer 6

Zig zag is climbing on the safer areas. less likely to fall.

Answer 7

Zigzag Stairs

Answer 8

Sometimes that is the wise thing to do.

Taking the path of least resistance is sometimes a wise choice depending on the dangers you are facing.

Answer 9

heck ya!! ican only imagine climbing mt vesivio without those zigzags, and it was extremely steep with them!!!

Answer 10

if there was an elevator the straight up would be best.