The work done by the gravitational force can be calculated using the formula:
Work = Force × Distance
In this case, the force is the weight of the container, which is equal to the product of its mass and the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s² on Earth).
Force = mass × acceleration due to gravity = 5 kg × 9.8 m/s² = 49 N
The distance is the height the container is lifted, which is given as 8 meters.
Now, we can calculate the work done:
Work = Force × Distance = 49 N × 8 m = 392 Joules
Therefore, the gravitational force does 392 Joules of work on the container when it is lifted to a height of 8 meters.