How Do You Convert Daily Caloric Intake to Watts?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting daily caloric intake into watts, specifically addressing the average energy consumption of 3000 food calories per day in the United States. The correct conversion involves recognizing that 1 nutritional calorie equals 1000 physics calories. The calculation shows that 3000 food calories equate to approximately 12552 joules, which, when divided by the total seconds in a day (86400), results in an average power output of 0.1452 watts. To convert this to watts, the result is multiplied by 1000, yielding an average power intake of 145.2 watts.

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  • Understanding of calorie conversion (1 cal = 4.184 J)
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[SOLVED] converting calories to watts HELP please

I've tried this problem six times and this is what I keep coming up with. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I realize this is a very simple simple problem but why this is not working for me I do not know. Again Thank You very much for helping!


1. Homework Statement [/b]
In the United States, the average person eats about 3000 food calories per day. What is the average power of this energy intake?
a. 14.5 watts
b. 145 watts
c. 1450 watts
d. 14,500 watts

2.
1 cal = 4.184 J
1 J = 1 N x m
Power equation (watts) = work (J)/time(seconds)

The Attempt at a Solution


4.184 J/1 cal x 3000 cal = 12552 J/ (24 hrs x 60 min/hr x 60 sec/min) = 12552 J
12552 J/ 86400 sec = 0.1452 watts
 
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The nutritional calorie is actually 1000 calorie of Physics. Multiply the result by 1000.
 

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