Solve Physics Calc: Energy Expenditure for Adam's Water Intake

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy expenditure required for Adam's body to warm cold water to his body temperature. The subject area involves thermodynamics and heat transfer, specifically focusing on the heat capacity of water.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the calculation of energy needed to raise the temperature of water, questioning the heat capacity of water and its application in the problem. There are attempts to clarify the heat capacity value and its units.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights on the heat capacity of water and attempting calculations based on assumed values. There is no explicit consensus on the approach yet, but some guidance on the heat capacity has been offered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the heat capacity was not provided in the original question, leading to assumptions about using the value for pure water. There is an emphasis on the need for clarity regarding the units and the specific conditions of the problem.

warrior86
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When Adam drinks cold water, his body warms the water until thermal equilibrium is reached. If he drinks six glasses (2.5 kilograms) of water at 0 degrees Celsius in a day, approximately how much energy must his body expend to raise the temperature of this water to his body’s temperature of 37 degrees Celsius?
The answer is 390kJ. Can someone help me with the working please. Thx.
 
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warrior86 said:
When Adam drinks cold water, his body warms the water until thermal equilibrium is reached. If he drinks six glasses (2.5 kilograms) of water at 0 degrees Celsius in a day, approximately how much energy must his body expend to raise the temperature of this water to his body’s temperature of 37 degrees Celsius?
The answer is 390kJ. Can someone help me with the working please. Thx.

WHat is the heat capacity of water? i.e., how much energy is required to raise one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius?
 
The heat capacity was not given in the question but if we assume it to be pure water, the heat capcity of water can be taken as 4.184 joules/g-°C.
 
4.184 joules/(g°C) * 2.5 kg * 37 ° C = ... :)
 

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