Question

A hyperthermic (feverish) male, with a body mass of 104 kg, has a mean body temperature of 107F. He is to

be cooled to 98.6F by placing him in a water bath, which is initially at 77F. Calculate what is the minimum

volume of water required to achieve this result. The specific heat capacity of a human body is 3.5 kJ/(kg·K). The

specific heat capacity for water is 4186 J/(kg·K). You must first find an appropriate formula, before substituting

the applicable numbers.

Answer 1

$c_1m_1(t_1-t)=c_2m_2(t-t_2),$

$m_2=m_1\cdot\frac{c_1}{c_2}\cdot\frac{t_1-t}{t-t_2}=33.8~kg,$

$V=33.8~l.$