Answer:
The increase in gravitational potential energy is the same in both cases
Explanation:
It is easier to climb a mountain in a zigzag way rather than climbing on a straight line but since the distance is the same ( vertical height ) , mass and gravity is the same. Hence the increase in gravitational potential energy is the same in both cases.
gravitational potential energy = mgh ( same in both cases )
m = mass
g = acceleration due to gravity
h = distance ( vertical height )
