Where Does Our Energy Go When We Feel Exhausted?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of exhaustion, emphasizing that energy is expended even when no physical work is performed. It highlights that muscle activity, even in a resting state, generates heat and consumes energy through various biological processes. The conversation underscores the limitations of physics in fully explaining human fatigue, suggesting that while physics is a valuable tool, it is not the most effective means of understanding biological energy expenditure and the complexities of human tiredness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic human physiology and muscle function
  • Familiarity with energy conversion processes in biological systems
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics as it relates to biological organisms
  • Awareness of the limitations of physics in explaining biological phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of ATP in muscle energy metabolism
  • Explore the concept of homeostasis in biological systems
  • Investigate the effects of fatigue on muscle performance and recovery
  • Study the relationship between mental exertion and physical energy expenditure
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for biologists, physiologists, fitness trainers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human energy expenditure and fatigue.

anirudh
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Why do we exhausted sometimes even when no work(in terms of science) is done.where does our energy go?
 
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Ah, but you are doing work! If you push on a brick wall, even though you do no work on the wall itself, your muscles are doing work on themselves because they aren't rigid objects and will stretch slightly as they try to contract. All of the work is eventually turned into heat through this and through the chemical processes fueling your muscles.
 
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Even when you are sitting, your body breathes, circulates blood, thinks, and creates new flesh and bones.

It is very difficult to use physics to trace where the energy goes in living beings, or to use physics to explain what feeling tired means.

Physics is a tool. A good tool. But it is not the best tool for every job.
 
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The human body is a biological machine. Parts can "fail" or temporarily wear out despite there being lots of "fuel" in the tank.
 
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