Fraction within a fraction -- Units

In summary, to "burn calories" by drinking ice water, you would need to drink 0.43 liters of water and expend 430 kcalories.
  • #1
Dindimin09
6
0

Homework Statement


[/B]
When you drink cold water, your body must expend metabolic energy in order to maintain normal body temperature ( 37.0°C ) by warming up the water in your stomach. Could drinking ice water, then, substitute for exercise as a way to “burn calories?” Suppose you expend 430 kcalories during a brisk hour-long walk. How may litres of ice ( 0°C ) would you have to drink in order to use 430 kcalories of metabolic energy? For comparison, the stomach can hold about 1 litre .

Homework Equations



The volume V of a mass m of water is given by V =m /ρ,where m is the mass, and ρ is the density of water. In order to warm a mass m of ice water to body temperature, the body must provide an amount Q of heat given by Q = cm∆T , where c is the specific heat of water and ΔT is 37 C°, the difference between body temperature (37 °C) and the temperature of ice water (0 °C) . Therefore using Q = cm∆T to calculate the required mass m of ice water, and V = m/ ρ to find the corresponding volume V.

The Attempt at a Solution


The volume of given water is V =m /ρ (1)

Rearranging Q = cm∆T in terms of m gives us: m= Q/c∆T (2)

Substiuting (2) into (1) yields: V = (Q/c∆T)/ρ = Qρ/c∆T (3)

The only problem with this is the units for this resulting equation (3) don't work out correctly and I am unsure what mathematical steps I am missing.
It's really the substitution that's confusing me.
The only way the units work out to be m^3 is if V = Q/ρc∆T where the density is part of the denominator which I cannot see how to get to.

I also realize there is another way to solve this problem (ie finding the heat energy needed for 1kg of ice water and dividing the 430kcal into this) but I'm just not sure what I'm missing in my method to reach the same answer.
 
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  • #2
Your algebra is incorrect in obtaining Eqn. 3.
 
  • #3
Chestermiller said:
Your algebra is incorrect in obtaining Eqn. 3.

I'm just confused as from what I've learned thus far any fractional denominator is simply flipped upside down and multiplied into the original fraction.

V = (Q/c∆T)/ρ = (Q/c∆T)(ρ/1) = Qρ/c∆T

I realize I'm repeating myself but if there is a name for this operation could you please mention it and I'll happily go through it myself.
 
  • #4
$$V=\left(\frac{Q}{c\Delta T}\right)\frac{1}{\rho}=\frac{Q}{\rho C\Delta T}$$
 

1. What is a fraction within a fraction?

A fraction within a fraction, also known as a complex fraction, is a fraction where the numerator or denominator (or both) contains a fraction or multiple fractions.

2. How do you simplify a fraction within a fraction?

To simplify a fraction within a fraction, you can multiply the numerator and denominator of the complex fraction by the least common multiple (LCM) of all the denominators. Then, you can simplify the resulting fraction using basic fraction simplification rules.

3. Can you divide fractions within a fraction?

Yes, you can divide fractions within a fraction by multiplying the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator. This will change the division into a multiplication problem, which can then be simplified using the steps mentioned above.

4. How is a fraction within a fraction used in real life?

Fractions within fractions are commonly used in math and science, particularly in chemistry and physics. They can also be used in everyday life situations such as cooking, where recipes often call for fractions of fractions of an ingredient.

5. Is a fraction within a fraction the same as a mixed number?

No, a fraction within a fraction is not the same as a mixed number. A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction, while a fraction within a fraction is a single fraction with a fraction in the numerator or denominator.

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