Conversion to fuel economy in equivalent MPG using kcal/h and mi/h

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting energy expenditure during physical activities into fuel economy measured in miles per gallon (MPG). For walking, the calculation yields approximately 423.68 MPG based on a rate of 220 kcal/h and a distance of 3 miles. Bicycling energy expenditure is noted at 400 kcal/h, but further calculations are needed to determine the equivalent MPG for cyclists. The conversation also touches on whether drivers use food calories in addition to gasoline energy, confirming that they do, but this factor can be ignored in the MPG calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kcal/h as a measure of energy expenditure
  • Basic knowledge of unit conversion between kcal and joules
  • Familiarity with calculating MPG from energy values
  • Concept of significant figures in scientific calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate MPG for cycling using energy expenditure data
  • Learn about the relationship between kcal/h and energy consumption in different physical activities
  • Explore the implications of significant figures in energy conversion calculations
  • Investigate the role of food energy in human-powered transportation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for fitness enthusiasts, sports scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the energy dynamics of physical activities compared to fuel consumption in vehicles.

Mustard
Messages
21
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
For saving energy, bicycling and walking are far more efficient means of transportation than is travel by automobile. For example, when riding at 10.0 mi/h, a cyclist uses food energy at a rate of about 400 kcal/h above what he would use if merely sitting still. (In exercise physiology, power is often measured in kcal/h rather than in watts. Here 1 kcal = 1 nutritionist’s Calorie = 4,186 J.) Walking at 3.00 mi/h requires about 220 kcal/h. It is interesting to compare these values with the energy consumption required for travel by car. Gasoline yields about 1.30 x 10^8 J/gal. Find the fuel economy in equivalent miles per gallon for a person (a) walking and (b) bicycling
Relevant Equations
3.00 mi/h = 220 kcal/h
10.0 mi/h = 400 kcal/h above the values of sitting still
1 kcal = 1 nutritionist’s Calorie = 4,186 J
Gasoline yield = 1.30 x 10^8 J/gal
So I'm guessing we need our end unit to be in MPG?
a) walking
( 220 kcal/ 1 hr )⋅ ( 1hr / 3 mile ) = 73 .3 kcal/mi⋅⋅
(73 .3 kcal/ 1 mile) ⋅ (4,186 J/1 kcal) = 3,06833.8 J/mi
(1.30 x 10^8 J/ 1 gal)(1 mile / 3,06833.8 J) = 423.68 MPG

b) bicycling

Not sure as it says,"...when riding at 10.0 mi/h, a cyclist uses food energy at a rate of about 400 kcal/h above what he would use if merely sitting still." So I am guessing I would need to get those values for sitting still and add them to get the cyclist values?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Part (a) looks good to me. (Do you need to worry about significant figures in the answer?)

For part (b), does the driver of the car use food calories in addition to using gasoline energy?
 
TSny said:
Part (a) looks good to me. (Do you need to worry about significant figures in the answer?)

For part (b), does the driver of the car use food calories in addition to using gasoline energy?
I would assume the driver does?
 
Mustard said:
I would assume the driver does?
Yes.
 
TSny said:
Yes.
So I can ignore the above statement as the will basically cancel out ?
 
Yes.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Mustard
TSny said:
Yes.
Thank you, I got it! (:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K