Calculate the Number of Influenza Viruses on You

  • Thread starter gmunoz18
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discusses calculating the number of influenza viruses that have landed on a person based on the volume of saliva coughed onto them. The volume of one virus is calculated to be 321555 nm^3 and the volume of all the viruses in the saliva is found to be 2.3e-11 cm^3. By converting to the same units and dividing, the final answer is determined to be 1e-9, or 0.000000001, influenza viruses.
  • #1
gmunoz18
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Homework Statement



A typical virus is a packet of protein and DNA (or RNA) and can be spherical in shape. The influenza A virus is a spherical virus that has a diameter of 85 nm. If the volume of saliva coughed onto you by your friend with the flu is 0.023 cm3 and 10^-9 of that volume consists of viral particles, how many influenza viruses have just landed on you?


Homework Equations



v=(4/3)*pi*r^3




The Attempt at a Solution




4/3*pi*42.5^3=volume of virus

321555 nm^3 volume of one virus

(.023cm^3)*(10^-9)= 2.3e-10 cm^3 contains virus = .0023 nl


Which part of my math is wrong? this just doesn't seem right at all. The volume of one virus is less than what spilled on him.
 
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  • #2
I would convert .023cm^3 into nm^3, then find out how many total virus particles there are, then multiply by 10^-9.
 
  • #3
how many nanometers are in a centimeter?
 
  • #4
granpa said:
how many nanometers are in a centimeter?

10 million
 
  • #5
how many cubic nanometers in a cubic centimeter?
 
  • #6
granpa said:
how many cubic nanometers in a cubic centimeter?

1e21
 
  • #7
how many nanometers of spit?
 
  • #8
gmunoz18 said:

Homework Statement



A typical virus is a packet of protein and DNA (or RNA) and can be spherical in shape. The influenza A virus is a spherical virus that has a diameter of 85 nm. If the volume of saliva coughed onto you by your friend with the flu is 0.023 cm3 and 10^-9 of that volume consists of viral particles, how many influenza viruses have just landed on you?


Homework Equations



v=(4/3)*pi*r^3




The Attempt at a Solution




4/3*pi*42.5^3=volume of virus

321555 nm^3 volume of one virus

(.023cm^3)*(10^-9)= 2.3e-10 cm^3 contains virus = .0023 nl
.023= 2.3*10^-2. (.023)(10^-9)= 2.3*10^-11.


Which part of my math is wrong? this just doesn't seem right at all. The volume of one virus is less than what spilled on him.
You have calculated The volume of one virus and the volume of all the viruses. Convert to the same units and divide the volume of all the viruses by the volume of one to determine how many viruses there were.
 
  • #9
granpa said:
how many nanometers of spit?

2.3e19
 
  • #10
how many nanometers of virus?
 
  • #11
granpa said:
how many nanometers of virus?

2.3e11

so at this point could I just do 2.3e11/321555?

and come up with 715274
 
  • #12
10^-9=1e-9

yes, you simply divide
 
  • #13
thanks a lot for the walkthrough help!
 

1. How do you calculate the number of influenza viruses on a person?

The number of influenza viruses on a person can be calculated by taking a small sample of the person's bodily fluids, such as saliva or mucus, and using a microscope to count the number of influenza viruses present. This number can then be extrapolated to estimate the total number of viruses on the person's body.

2. Is the number of influenza viruses on a person consistent?

No, the number of influenza viruses on a person can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as the person's immune system, exposure to the virus, and overall health. Additionally, the number of viruses can change over time as the person's body fights off the infection.

3. Can you calculate the number of influenza viruses on someone without a microscope?

No, a microscope is necessary to accurately count the number of influenza viruses on a person. The viruses are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

4. How many influenza viruses are typically found on a person?

The number of influenza viruses on a person can vary greatly and there is no specific number that can be considered "typical." It depends on individual factors and the stage of the infection.

5. Is there a way to reduce the number of influenza viruses on a person?

Yes, practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help reduce the number of influenza viruses on a person. Getting vaccinated against the flu can also greatly reduce the risk of becoming infected with the virus.

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