Answer to Question #240856 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Kelani

Question

Under normal conditions the human heart converts about 13.3 J of chemical energy per second into 1.33 W of mechanical power as it pumps blood throughout the body.

(a)

Determine the number of Calories required to power the heart for one day, given that 1 Calorie equals 4186 J.

__ Cal

(b)

Metabolizing 1 kg of fat can release about 9000 Calories of energy. What mass of metabolized fat (in kg) would power the heart for one day?

__ kg

Answer 1

In one day $= 13.3 \times 86400 \;s = 1149120\; J$

$= \frac{1149128}{4186} \\ = 274.52 \;cal$

(b) 1 kg = 9000 cal

$274.52 \;cal = \frac{274.52}{9000} \;kg \\ = 0.0305 \;kg$