Mechanical energy E = mgh + 1/2mv²
When he starts, let h = 0 ⇒ E₁ = 1/2mv₁²
When he reaches height h ⇒ E₂ = mgh + 1/2mv₂²
Without friction, energy is conserved at all times.
E₁ = E₂
↓
1/2mv₁² = mgh + 1/2mv₂²
↓
1/2v₁² = gh + 1/2v₂²
↓
gh = 1/2(v₁² - v₂²)
↓
h = (v₁² - v₂²) / (2g)
In Physics, 'work' has a very clear definition:
It's (strength of a force) times (distance through which the force acts).
'Work' has the units of Energy.
If you push against a shopping cart with 30 newtons of force, and
you keep pushing while the cart moves 4 meters, then you have
done (30 x 4) = 120 newton-meters of work = 120 "Joules".
