What happens to the energy when you are holding a book?

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SUMMARY

When holding a book without movement, the body utilizes chemical energy, which is converted into heat energy. The kinetic energy remains zero, and potential energy remains constant as long as the book is held at a steady height. The chemical energy produced by the muscles is ultimately released as heat through breath and sweat. This discussion clarifies the transformation of energy types involved in this scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic energy types: kinetic energy, potential energy, chemical energy, and heat energy.
  • Knowledge of energy transformation processes in physical systems.
  • Familiarity with the concept of energy conservation.
  • Basic physiology related to muscle energy usage.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the laws of thermodynamics and energy conservation.
  • Explore the relationship between chemical energy and heat energy in biological systems.
  • Learn about energy transformation in physical activities and muscle function.
  • Investigate the concept of energy loss in various physical scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of physics, biology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding energy dynamics in physical activities.

ali PMPAINT
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TL;DR
About the conservation of energy.
So, when you are holding a book by your hand, and not moving, you are using chemical energy(correct me if I am wrong), but neither does the potential energy increase, nor does the kinetic energy, so what happens to the chemical energy?
 
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What happens to all energy that gets "lost"?
 
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Ibix said:
What happens to all energy that gets "lost"?
Yes.
 
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ali PMPAINT said:
Yes.
That was a question, not a statement. Pretty much all lost energy becomes the same thing. Do you know what it is?
 
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ali PMPAINT said:
Yes.
As Russ says, I was asking if you know what happens to all "lost" energy, not confirming your question's intent.
 
There are four kinds of energy involved here- kinetic energy, potential energy, chemical energy and heat energy. As long as the book remains steady at a constant height, the kinetic energy is zero and the potential energy is constant. Chemical energy is produced in your body, particularly in your muscles. That goes into heat energy which your body releases in your breath and sweat.
 
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Ibix said:
As Russ says, I was asking if you know what happens to all "lost" energy, not confirming your question's intent.
Oh, sorry, no I didn't know until now.
 

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