Thermodynamics - Change in Temp

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the temperature change of a hiker's body during a 2.9-hour hike, given a power output of 191 kcal/hr (converted to 222.133 J/s). The hiker's body mass is 77.1 kg, and the average specific heat capacity is 0.83 kcal/kg°C (converted to 3475.04 J/kg/K). The initial calculation of temperature change was incorrect due to the use of power instead of total energy. The correct approach requires calculating the total energy expended over the hike duration to determine the heat flow into the body.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles, specifically heat transfer.
  • Familiarity with energy conversion units (kcal to J).
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacity and its application in temperature change calculations.
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving mass, heat, and temperature change (Q = mcΔT).
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate total energy used by the hiker over 2.9 hours using the formula: Energy = Power x Time.
  • Learn how to convert between different units of energy, specifically kcal to Joules.
  • Study the concept of specific heat capacity in greater detail, including its implications in various materials.
  • Explore more complex thermodynamic systems and their heat transfer mechanisms.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering courses, particularly those studying thermodynamics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding heat transfer in biological systems.

Jess_18033152
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Homework Statement


A 77.1 kg hiker uses 191 kcal hr-1 (converted to 222.133 J.s ?) of energy whilst hiking. Assuming that 20% of this energy goes into useful work and the other 80% is converted to heat within the body, calculate the temperature change, in units of Kelvin (K), of the hiker's body during a 2.9 hour (converted to 10440s) long hike.

Assume that none of this generated heat is transferred to the environment during the hike. The average specific heat capacity of a human body is 0.83 kcal kg-1 oC-1. (converted to 3475.04 J/kg/K ?)

The answer needs to be given in Kelvin,

Homework Equations


Q = mc(change in temperature)

The Attempt at a Solution


Change in temp = Q/mc = 222.133/(77.1 x 3475.04)
=8.29 x 10^-4 K
Answer is wrong, I feel like I need to be using the time given also...
 
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Jess_18033152 said:

Homework Statement


A 77.1 kg hiker uses 191 kcal hr-1 (converted to 222.133 J.s ?) of energy whilst hiking. Assuming that 20% of this energy goes into useful work and the other 80% is converted to heat within the body, calculate the temperature change, in units of Kelvin (K), of the hiker's body during a 2.9 hour (converted to 10440s) long hike.

Assume that none of this generated heat is transferred to the environment during the hike. The average specific heat capacity of a human body is 0.83 kcal kg-1 oC-1. (converted to 3475.04 J/kg/K ?)

The answer needs to be given in Kelvin,

Homework Equations


Q = mc(change in temperature)

The Attempt at a Solution


Change in temp = Q/mc = 222.133/(77.1 x 3475.04)
=8.29 x 10^-4 K
Answer is wrong, I feel like I need to be using the time given also...
Q is the total heat flow generated by the hiker over the 2.9 hour hike. How much energy does he use in 2.9 hours? How much of that results in heat flow into the body?

AM
 
Last edited:
Hi jess, you must be in Kevin’s class! https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/heat-question.945804/

Indeed, you need to use the time. Note that 191 kcal/hr is 222 J/s (not J.s)

Q is supposed to be a quantity of energy but for Q you’ve plugged in 222 J/s which is a measure of power not energy.
 

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