Jogging bicycling or driving, most energy efficient?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the most efficient way to travel a mile between a bicycle, a jogger, and a car. The mile is a flat asphalt surface with no weather concerns. All three modes of transportation accelerate to 15km/hour and finish at the same time. The question is then raised about which mode of transportation is the most energy efficient in terms of joules. Both individuals in the conversation agree that the bike is the most efficient due to its lower mass and wind resistance compared to the car, and the fact that bikers burn less calories per mile than joggers. However, it is acknowledged that there are many factors at play and this is not a definitive answer.
  • #1
Chaos' lil bro Order
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I was wondering what the most efficient way to traveling a mile is between a bicycle, a jogger and a car. The mile is a flat asphalt surface, straight and the weather is a non issue. The car gets 20km/Liter let's say. So the bicycler, jogger and car are lined up at the start and each accelerates to an even 15km/hour, they keep pace with each other the whole time and finish at the same time. On an energy unit basis expressed in joules which mode of transportation is the most energy efficient?
 
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  • #2
My bet is bike. I seem to remember that combustion engine has much lower efficiency then biological ones, and bikers burn less kalories per mile than joggers do.
 
  • #3
Obviously there are a lot of factors involved here, but my money's on the bike too.
 
  • #4
The bike is most efficient. It has much less mass and wind resistance than the car, and more work can be used for propulsion than jogging, since the jogger has to use muscle energy to support his/her weight and uses arms for balance.
 

1) How do you determine which activity is the most energy efficient?

The most energy efficient activity can be determined by calculating the amount of energy used per unit distance. This can be done by measuring the amount of calories burned during each activity and converting it into a common unit, such as joules or kilojoules. The activity with the lowest amount of energy used per unit distance is considered the most energy efficient.

2) Is it more energy efficient to jog, bike, or drive?

It is generally more energy efficient to either jog or bike compared to driving a car. This is because jogging and biking use human power, which is more efficient than the internal combustion engine used in cars. However, the exact energy efficiency depends on various factors such as speed, distance, and terrain.

3) Does the energy efficiency of each activity change based on the individual's weight?

Yes, the energy efficiency of each activity can be affected by an individual's weight. A heavier person will require more energy to move their body, resulting in a lower energy efficiency compared to a lighter person. However, this difference may not be significant enough to change the overall ranking of energy efficiency between the activities.

4) Are there any other factors that can affect the energy efficiency of these activities?

Yes, there are other factors that can affect the energy efficiency of jogging, biking, and driving. These include external factors such as wind resistance, road conditions, and traffic, as well as personal factors such as fitness level, age, and health status. Additionally, the energy efficiency of driving can also be affected by the type of car and its fuel efficiency.

5) Is there a certain distance or time threshold where one activity becomes more energy efficient than the others?

There is no specific distance or time threshold where one activity becomes more energy efficient than the others. The energy efficiency of each activity may vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the speed and intensity at which the activity is performed. However, as a general rule, jogging and biking tend to be more energy efficient for shorter distances, while driving may become more efficient for longer distances due to the increased fuel efficiency of cars at higher speeds.

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