Which requires more work, lifting a 10.0kg load a vertical distance of 2m or lifting a 5.0kg load a distance of 4m?

For each load, Work = (mass) x (gravity) x (distance.

Bigger load: Work = (10 kg) x (9.8 m/s²) x (2 m) = 196 joules.

Smaller load: Work = (5 kg) x (9.8 m/s²) x (4 m) = 196 joules.

The work required is equal in both cases.

The mass ratio of 2:1 is exactly balanced by

the height ratio of 1:2.