(D) $(i)$ When an object is thrown at a certain angle, it rises to a maximum height $h$ and then returns to the ground following a parabolic path. The work done against gravity while rising is $W_{against} = mgh$. The work done by gravity while falling is $W_{by} = mgh$. Since the initial and final points are on the same horizontal line, the net displacement in the vertical direction is $0$. Therefore, the total work done by the force of gravity is $W_{net} = W_{against} + W_{by} = -mgh + mgh = 0 \, J$.
$(ii)$ Given: mass $m = 20 \, kg$, initial velocity $u = 5 \, m s^{-1}$, final velocity $v = 2 \, m s^{-1}$.
According to the work-energy theorem, the work done by a force is equal to the change in kinetic energy:
$W = \Delta KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 - \frac{1}{2} m u^2$
$W = \frac{1}{2} \times 20 \times (2)^2 - \frac{1}{2} \times 20 \times (5)^2$
$W = 10 \times 4 - 10 \times 25$
$W = 40 - 250 = -210 \, J$.
The work done by the force is $-210 \, J$.