Calculating Metabolic Energy Expenditure for Running and Walking

  • Thread starter Thread starter dismalice
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the metabolic energy expenditure for a 68 kg individual running at 15 km/h for 12 minutes and walking at 5.0 km/h for 36 minutes. Key equations include E=W (+Q), W=FD, and e=1/2 mv^2. A participant noted that running at 15 km/h requires approximately 1150 W of metabolic power, emphasizing the need for accurate unit conversions and formulas to derive energy in kilojoules. The conversation highlights the complexities of estimating energy expenditure due to factors like body elevation and limb mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as work and energy
  • Familiarity with metabolic power calculations
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between watts and kilojoules
  • Proficiency in using MKS (meter-kilogram-second) units
NEXT STEPS
  • Research formulas for calculating work done during running and walking
  • Learn about the relationship between metabolic power and energy expenditure
  • Study empirical formulas for estimating energy costs in physical activities
  • Explore unit conversion techniques for power and energy measurements
USEFUL FOR

Students in exercise physiology, sports scientists, and fitness professionals seeking to understand metabolic energy calculations for running and walking activities.

dismalice
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



How much metabolic energy is required for a 68 kg person to run at a speed of 15 km/h for 12 mins in kJ?
Part B
How much metabolic energy is required for this person to walk at a speed of 5.0 km/hr for 36 mins in kJ?

Homework Equations



E=W (+Q)
W= FD
e=1/2 mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution


W_1 = ~ 666.4 N 15
V = 4.17 m/s

E= 140004.823
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This looks interesting but the answer can't be found from the information given. For instance, some of the energy goes to lifting the person between steps - so we need to know how high the body goes and how many times per minute. More energy is used to accelerate the legs and feet (which stop at each contact with the ground, don't they?), so we would need to know the mass of the feet and legs. Do you have formulas for estimating these things or perhaps some overall empirical formula for the power needed?
 
This is all the information that is given.
 
Can anyone else assist me with this problem?
 
I found data in the book that states RUnning at 15km/hr takes 1150W of Metabolic Power. I converted 1150W/H to equate to 19.167 W/minute then multiplied this answer times 12 mins and was unable to find the answer. Any ideas?
 
Much easier with that extra info!
1150 W is the power. It does not make sense to express it as 1150 W/H.
You will need a formula to find the work or energy given the power.
And you will need to be careful with the units. Best advice is to go with MKS units (time in seconds). Note that the answer is to be expressed in kilojoules rather than the standard Joules.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
7K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
13K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K